The robotics field continues to expand rapidly, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, sensor technologies, and materials science, creating new opportunities across healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer applications. Stanford University's Office of Technology Licensing presents this diverse portfolio of robotics and haptics technologies developed by researchers who are pioneers in the field.
Our robotics portfolio includes soft variable impedance actuators with embedded layer jamming, capacitive force-torque sensors for robotic applications, and gecko-inspired adhesive systems for object grasping. Medical robotics technologies feature improved navigation systems for robotic endoscopes and catheters, while autonomous systems include multi-robot aerial survey planners and distributed sensor networks deployed by growing robots.
The haptics collection includes devices for virtual reality applications, such as "Grabity," which simulates weight and stiffness, and "Wolverine," a wearable haptic interface for VR grasping. Other technologies encompass 3D printed fingertip stimulating devices and multi-degree-of-freedom haptic systems for tactile feedback applications.
These technologies fill key gaps necessary for the deployment of next-generation robotics & haptics for manufacturing, healthcare, entertainment, and autonomous systems.
Key principal investigators include: