Humanoid & Social Robotics
Humanoid and social robots operate around people, so they need sensing that is accurate, fast, and reliable.
Beyond navigation, they must detect nearby objects and people, recognise contact, and respond safely during interaction.
ScioSense designs semiconductor sensor ICs for robotic platforms. Our components support functions such as proximity detection, touch sensing, and environmental monitoring, helping teams build dependable sensing and feedback into their systems.
We offer sensor modules built for low power use, compact integration, and fast response—suitable for tactile sensing and digital-skin layers. Integrated into the sensing architecture, they can improve touch and proximity detection in human robot interaction.
Educational Robots
These robots function as interactive platforms for STEM and social learning and require responsive, robust sensing to support effective classroom engagement.
- Interactive learning: Capacitance‑to‑Digital Converters (CDCs) enable precise touch and gesture detection, allowing students to control the robot through physical interaction or proximity.
- Precision motion control: Resistance‑to‑Digital Converters interface with internal sensors to monitor joint tension and motor load, ensuring smooth and safe movement during student‑driven coding activities.
- Component protection: Temperature and humidity sensors continuously monitor internal conditions, preventing overheating during extended classroom use.
Reception & Hospitality Robots
In hotels and offices, these robots must be “always-ready” to greet guests and monitor the comfort of shared public spaces.
- Instant Engagement: Low Frequency Wake-up Receivers enable the robot to remain in power-saving mode until a guest enters the lobby, triggering immediate activation for a seamless greeting.
- Spatial Awareness: Time to Digital Converters (TDCs) support ultrasonic and LiDAR sensors for navigation and head-turning, ensuring the robot maintains appropriate social distance and eye contact with guests.
- Air Quality Advocacy: The Digital Metal-Oxide Multi-Gas Sensor Family monitors VOCs and CO2 in the lobby or office, allowing the robot to serve as a mobile air-quality steward for guest comfort.
Companion Robots
Designed for the home, companion robots provide vital social support and safety monitoring for elderly or isolated individuals.
- Safety & Hazard Detection: Using the Digital Metal-Oxide Multi-Gas Sensor Family, these robots can detect domestic hazards like gas leaks or smoke, improving safety for the residents.
- Comfort Management: Temperature and Humidity Sensors allow the robot to track the living environment, notifying caregivers or adjusting smart thermostats if conditions become unsafe for the user.
- Outdoor Preparedness: For companion robots that assist in gardens or outdoor walkways, the Franklin Lightning Sensor provides early warning of approaching storms, allowing the robot to guide the user back to safety.
Design requirements / challenges
Products
Design requirements / challenges:
Zero-Latency Haptic Response: Utilizing high-speed Capacitance to Digital Converters (CDCs) to create “digital skins” that respond to human touch with the speed of a biological reflex.
Clinical-Grade Environmental Fidelity: Maintaining sensor accuracy across varying indoor micro-climates to ensure the safety of vulnerable users in home or care settings.
Ultra-Low-Power Social Presence: Implementing Low Frequency Wake-up architectures to ensure the robot remains responsive for 16+ hours on a single charge.
Picosecond Spatial Synchronization: Using Time to Digital Converters (TDCs) to align the robot’s visual mapping and limb movements, ensuring fluid and non-threatening human-like motion.
Multi-Modal Safety Integration: Combining gas, lightning, and temperature sensors into a single “sensory cortex” to allow the robot to protect its user from diverse environmental threats.
