Xense Robotics, based in Shanghai, has raised tens of millions of yuan in a funding round led by Oriza Seed Capital, Gobi China, and Xiaomiao Longcheng Capital. The funding will be allocated to increase production and enhance research and development of its tactile sensing systems.

Founded in May 2024, Xense Robotics specializes in tactile sensing and manipulation for robotic applications. The company offers high-resolution tactile sensors and control modules for precision tasks. It is led by Ma Daolin, an associate professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, who focuses on touch-based spatial perception in robotics.

The G1-WS tactile sensor is Xense’s primary product. It features a feedback density that significantly exceeds that of a human fingertip and is designed for robotic grippers. The sensor provides real-time data on shape, force distribution, and surface texture with sub-millimeter accuracy. Its slim, wedge-shaped design enables operation in confined spaces. It has been used in delicate tasks, such as handling test tubes and installing memory modules.

Xense has also launched a simulation tool called Xense_Sim to address challenges in tactile AI training. This tool is integrated with Nvidia’s Isaac Sim and models real-world scenarios for tasks like cap twisting and plug insertion.

The company reports that its hardware and simulation tools are currently being shipped to customers. Modular and miniaturized sensors are entering mass production.

🔗 Source: 36Kr

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Tactile sensing marks a paradigm shift in robotic perception

Xense Robotics is part of a significant transition in robotics from predominantly visual feedback to tactile intelligence, addressing a fundamental limitation in current systems.

Despite decades of development, tactile sensors have historically lagged behind visual technology, with Scholarpedia noting that the complexity of touch and sensor vulnerability to wear have slowed progress compared to vision systems 1.

This evolution mirrors research findings from IEEE Spectrum highlighting that human-like manipulation requires both visual recognition and tactile feedback, with studies showing tactile data-based algorithms achieving 83% accuracy in predicting grasp success 2.

Xense’s approach of prioritizing touch for spatial perception represents a technical pivot that aligns with growing industry recognition that robots lacking tactile feedback consistently fail at tasks humans find simple, particularly when handling diverse objects or working in visually occluded environments.

The G1-WS sensor’s 800x greater density than human fingertips exemplifies how tactile technology is now surpassing biological capabilities in specific metrics, potentially enabling robotic capabilities beyond human limitations.

2️⃣ Tactile sensing market accelerating amid broader robotics funding challenges

Xense’s funding comes during a complex period for robotics investments, with the broader sector experiencing volatility even as tactile sensing attracts growing attention.

The global tactile sensors market reached $16.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial 13.5% CAGR through 2034, driven by applications in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and industrial automation 3.