Bringing a delicate sense of touch and precise motion to robots.

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) provides sensing technologies that help enhance robot performance from joints to fingertips.

Fine tactile sensing at the fingertips.

Multi-axis tactile sensing that detects both normal and shear forces

AKM’s compact tri-axis magnetic sensors accurately detect magnetic fields along the X, Y, and Z axes. When paired with a magnet, they can be used for multi-axis tactile sensing that detects displacement perpendicular to the contact surface (Z-axis) and along the surface (X and Y axes).

This video demonstrates multi-axis tactile sensing using the AK09974C.

Accurate joint-angle detection. Greater flexibility in mechanical design.

Rotation angle sensing that realizes both flexible sensor placement and high-accuracy angle detection

AKM offers a range of rotation angle sensors that support both Shaft-End configurations and Off-Axis configurations, in which the sensor is placed with offset from the rotation axis.

Off-Axis placement allows cables to be routed through a hollow shaft, helping preserve the joint’s range of motion and reduce interference with surrounding components. Even in this configuration, the AK7455 can achieve angular accuracy of approximately 0.1°.

Rotation angle sensing that realizes both flexible sensor placement and high-accuracy angle detection

Encoder sensing elements for high-resolution rotation detection

AKM’s semiconductor magnetoresistive element (SMRE) technology is well suited for high-resolution gear rotation detection. With angular resolution of up to 28 bits and low temperature-induced output drift, it supports stable detection across a wide range of operating conditions. Its magnetic sensing performance is unaffected by dust and oil, allowing the protective structure to be simplified while maintaining dust and oil resistance.

This sensing technology enables robots to control their joint motors with high precision.