UltraSense Systems has unveiled a new ultrasound-driven tactile intelligence platform aimed at advancing Physical AI. This solution introduces a protected, subsurface sensing design that enables durable, high-resolution touch perception for robots and smart machines. Evaluation kits will be available to customers starting June 1, 2026 for testing and integration.
As robotics increasingly enters real-world environments, the importance of touch sensing is becoming more evident. Physical AI systems require more than visual input—they must accurately detect contact, determine its location, assess applied force, and respond effectively during tasks like gripping, handling, and releasing objects. However, many conventional tactile technologies fall short because their sensors are positioned at or near the surface, making them vulnerable to wear, friction, and environmental damage over time.
To address this, UltraSense has adopted a different design strategy. Instead of relying on exposed sensing components, its platform uses ultrasound to sense through layers of material, keeping the sensing core safely beneath the surface. By interpreting acoustic feedback signals, the system can identify touch events, pinpoint interaction zones, and estimate force-related dynamics, all while minimizing direct stress on the sensor itself.
According to CEO Mo Maghsoudnia, the next generation of Physical AI will depend on tactile sensing that combines sensitivity with long-term durability. He emphasized that the real challenge lies not just in detecting initial contact in controlled settings, but in consistently delivering reliable tactile data in environments where frequent contact occurs. The company’s ultrasound-based approach is designed to safeguard the sensing element, maintain signal quality, and offer a distinct alternative to traditional surface-level solutions.
UltraSense is focusing on use cases including humanoid robotic hands, grippers, industrial automation tools, and other applications involving frequent physical interaction. The platform builds on the company’s experience in automotive-grade manufacturing, with over four million units shipped and a track record of delivering AEC-Q100-qualified products to demanding clients.
As robotics increasingly enters real-world environments, the importance of touch sensing is becoming more evident. Physical AI systems require more than visual input—they must accurately detect contact, determine its location, assess applied force, and respond effectively during tasks like gripping, handling, and releasing objects. However, many conventional tactile technologies fall short because their sensors are positioned at or near the surface, making them vulnerable to wear, friction, and environmental damage over time.
To address this, UltraSense has adopted a different design strategy. Instead of relying on exposed sensing components, its platform uses ultrasound to sense through layers of material, keeping the sensing core safely beneath the surface. By interpreting acoustic feedback signals, the system can identify touch events, pinpoint interaction zones, and estimate force-related dynamics, all while minimizing direct stress on the sensor itself.
According to CEO Mo Maghsoudnia, the next generation of Physical AI will depend on tactile sensing that combines sensitivity with long-term durability. He emphasized that the real challenge lies not just in detecting initial contact in controlled settings, but in consistently delivering reliable tactile data in environments where frequent contact occurs. The company’s ultrasound-based approach is designed to safeguard the sensing element, maintain signal quality, and offer a distinct alternative to traditional surface-level solutions.
UltraSense is focusing on use cases including humanoid robotic hands, grippers, industrial automation tools, and other applications involving frequent physical interaction. The platform builds on the company’s experience in automotive-grade manufacturing, with over four million units shipped and a track record of delivering AEC-Q100-qualified products to demanding clients.
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