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The Robot Report · September 13, 2026

Ultrasound offers a scalable path to tactile intelligence for physical AI

RoboticsMechanical EngineeringBiomedical Engineering
THE AI ANGLE
Guiding physical AI manipulation through subsurface tactile feedback

UltraSense is presenting sub-surface ultrasound as a robust alternative to conventional surface-mounted electronic skins for physical AI manipulation. By transmitting acoustic waves through outer cover materials, the platform maps localized contact force, detects shear and slip, and classifies material impedance while remaining protected from direct wear, delamination, and drift. This architecture offers a scalable, multi-parameter tactile sensing solution that allows robotic and biomedical end effectors to endure millions of contact cycles.

THE TEACHING ANGLE
Students can evaluate the engineering trade-off between surface-coupled tactile sensors—which suffer from wear-induced drift and mechanical fatigue—and protected subsurface acoustic sensing that decouples the contact layer's mechanical properties from sensor longevity.

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