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Next-Gen Lifestyles Enabled by Tactile Sensors; “Shokac Chip” and “Shokac Cube”
Tactile sensors are a technology that detects physical stimuli such as pressure, vibration, and temperature upon contact, and they are being integrated into various aspects of our lives.
Tactile sensors are a technology that detects physical stimuli such as pressure, vibration, and temperature upon contact, and they are being integrated into various aspects of our lives. This technology plays a crucial role in enhancing safety, comfort, and operability, and it is expected to attract increasing attention in the future.
Where You’ll Find Tactile Sensors in Daily Life
Let's take a look at specific scenarios where tactile sensors are actively used in daily life.
First, in the medical field, tactile sensors play a crucial role in both rehabilitation and surgical support. In rehabilitation, robots and devices equipped with tactile sensors assist patients in their recovery, promoting faster healing. Additionally, in surgical support, surgical robots that provide tactile feedback help surgeons perform operations with greater precision. These surgical robots have even been featured in popular Japanese TV dramas, highlighting their accuracy and effectiveness.
Next, in the field of welfare, tactile sensors are also making significant contributions. Prosthetic limbs equipped with tactile sensors provide users with tactile feedback, enabling more natural movements. Furthermore, by equipping caregiving robots with tactile sensors, the care of the elderly and disabled can be carried out safely and effectively.
Recently, tactile sensors have also been playing an important role in the field of entertainment. Particularly through VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) devices, they help provide users with realistic experiences and enhance the sense of immersion.
Applications in the Mobility field
Tactile sensors are also an important technology in the mobility sector, enhancing safety, comfort, and operability.
- Autonomous Driving:
- Tactile sensors can detect road conditions in real-time, providing crucial data to avoid collisions and optimize driving performance. This allows the vehicle to switch to appropriate driving modes even in adverse weather conditions.
- Enhanced Safety:
- Tactile sensors manage the deployment of airbags appropriately, ensuring the safety of passengers during collisions. They also adjust the tightness of seat belts in real-time to prevent passengers from being thrown forward during sudden braking or collisions. Additionally, control panels equipped with tactile sensors are designed so that drivers can operate them without taking their eyes off the road, thereby improving safety.
Introduction to Tactile Sensors; "Shokac Chip" and "Shokac Cube"
Our company offers two types of sensors that can quantify human touch. The first, the Shokac Chip, is the world's smallest 6-axis tactile sensor utilizing MEMS technology. Despite its small and thin design, it can accurately detect forces in three axes and moments in three rotational directions. It is highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications, including robotic hands and input devices.
The second, the Shokac Cube, features a unique optical design that combines a soft, tactile passive part with optical sensing to detect displacement. These sensors are not only suitable for robotic hands, input devices, and automotive safety features but also have a wide range of other applications, offering very high versatility.
Shokac Chip
Shokac Cube
