SonyPatent applicationRobots & automationInterest 6/10

Sony patents light-based sensor to measure force in robot hands

Sony has filed a patent for a force sensor that uses light to measure how hard something is being pushed. It works by placing a flexible material between a light source and detectors; when you press on it, the material moves and changes how much light reaches the sensors.

Why it mattersThis could help robots grip delicate objects without breaking them, making automated handling more precise and safe.

In the filing’s own words

Provided is a force sensor capable of obtaining a wide dynamic range and high sensitivity. The force sensor includes a light receiving unit group, a reflection unit provided above the light receiving unit group, and an elastic body provided between the reflection unit and the light receiving unit group. The light receiving unit group includes four or more first light receiving units arranged in a first direction and four or more second light receiving units arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A force sensor comprising: a light receiving unit group; a reflection unit provided above the light receiving unit group; and an elastic body provided between the reflection unit and the light receiving unit group, wherein the light receiving unit group includes four or more first light receiving units arranged in a first direction, and four or more second light receiving units arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Facts

Company: Sony (SONY GROUP CORPORATION)
Official title: FORCE SENSOR, SENSOR MODULE, AND ROBOT HAND
Publication number: US20260276461A1
Application number: 18869108
Filed: May 19, 2023
Published: Sep 17, 2026
Inventors: 1
Claims: 20

Classified under

G01L 1/24 Physics & computingB25J 13/084 Operations & transportG01L 5/0061 Physics & computing

Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.