Xitac tactile sensor uses magnetotactic gel over 3D hall array to capture finger forces
seanmcdonaldxyz · x · 2026-10-06
Robotics data-collection startup Xikaku details the Xitac tactile sensor prototype, aimed at recording dexterous human hand work to train humanoids. The finger unit combines an IMU with a magnetotactic gel layer over a 3D hall-sensor array: applied force deforms the gel and shifts magnetic flux, letting magnetometers measure pressure and shear forces. The full setup pairs wrist tracking, finger sensors, and headset-based pose recognition. A first prototype was demoed at an AI Tinkerers event in LA; custom PCBs aren't ready yet (reusing an LPMS-B2 Bluetooth board), and sourcing the gel proved harder than expected. A full glove is still in the works.
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