Sophone Force Raises Funds for Optical Haptic Robot Sensors

Shanghai-based robotics innovator, Sophone Force, has successfully closed a new funding round led by China Fortune-Tech Capital. The capital infusion is earmarked for advancing its proprietary optical force-sensing technology and establishing small-scale production capabilities. This strategic investment follows earlier backing from a fund managed by PDVC, underscoring growing investor confidence in the company's disruptive approach to humanoid robotics.

Founded in 2024, Sophone Force is pioneering a novel optical sensing system designed to imbue humanoid robots with sophisticated haptic feedback. Company founder, Song Geyang, emphasizes that achieving fluid, natural movement is paramount for future humanoid robot competitiveness, with force sensing identified as a critical differentiator. This contrasts with traditional methods that often introduce complexity and limitations.

The prevailing technology for robotic force sensing relies on electrical resistance changes, typically using strain gauges. While capable of detecting six-axis forces through intricate elastic structures, this approach necessitates independent processing units for each joint, leading to complex wiring and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference. Sophone Force circumvents these issues by integrating optical components directly into the robot's structural elements, transforming the robot's very form into a sensor.

Leveraging digital twin technology, Sophone Force's system analyzes force application through optical data. A centralized architecture processes signals from numerous optical sensor nodes, effectively acting as a 'cerebellum' for the robot. This design eliminates inter-joint latency, facilitating smoother, more responsive movements. Furthermore, a proprietary 'decoupling algorithm' minimizes cross-axis interference to below 0.3%, ensuring stable operation at a 1000Hz sampling rate and compatibility with advanced robotic communication protocols.

Beyond technical advantages, the optical solution presents a compelling cost proposition. Song Geyang notes that beyond a certain number of sensor nodes, the optical approach becomes more economical than electrical alternatives. This is particularly relevant for full-body sensor integration in humanoid robots, where simplified wiring and enhanced electromagnetic resilience offer significant benefits. The company's technology also finds application in critical sectors such as medical devices, where its low power consumption and resistance to interference are vital for surgical robots, and in electric vehicles (EVs) for real-time battery impact and thermal monitoring.

In less than two years since its inception, Sophone Force has already engaged with leading Chinese humanoid robot manufacturers for technical validation. The company's innovative sensing technology is also being explored for industrial robot arms and other applications demanding precise force feedback. As the robotics industry increasingly focuses on advanced human-robot interaction, Sophone Force's optical-based haptic sensing is positioned to become a foundational technology for the next generation of intelligent machines.