Bota Systems partners with Kinova to add sense of touch to AI robotics
Kinova and Bota Systems Partner to Revolutionize Robotic Manipulation with Enhanced Sensing Capabilities
In a move poised to redefine the boundaries of robotic intelligence, Kinova Robotics has teamed up with Bota Systems to integrate advanced force-torque sensing technology into its Gen3 robotic manipulator. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between simulation and real-world applications, offering researchers and developers a powerful tool to accelerate innovation in robotics and artificial intelligence.
The partnership combines Kinova’s lightweight, portable Gen3 robotic arm with Bota Systems’ SensONE T15 force-torque sensor, creating a seamless solution for experimentation and end-to-end learning. The integration promises to deliver unprecedented precision and sensitivity, meeting the growing demands of research laboratories for more accurate and responsive robotic systems.
“While our Gen3 robot already features a built-in torque sensor, adding the Bota sensor elevates its capabilities to a whole new level,” said Rodolphe Rosset, sales director for research and academic markets at Kinova. “This enhancement is a game-changer for labs seeking higher precision and sensitivity in their robotic applications.”
Bota Systems, a Zurich-based company spun out of ETH Robotics Systems Lab in 2020, specializes in multi-axis force-torque sensors that give robots the ability to “feel” their environment. This sense of touch enables robots to operate more freely and safely in both academic and industrial settings.
“As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, the underexplored modalities of force-torque data offer unprecedented opportunities for advancing robotic learning,” said Bota Systems in a statement. “This collaboration will empower research labs to efficiently gather and analyze force-torque, inertial, and temperature data, paving the way for novel AI applications.”
The new robot kit, featuring the Gen3 manipulator and SensONE sensor, is now available directly from Kinova. Designed for simplicity and ease of integration, the system can be set up in minutes, allowing developers to quickly dive into experimentation. Both companies provide Python and C++ interfaces, along with demonstration code, through their online repositories, ensuring rapid adoption and streamlined development.
The timing of this partnership aligns with the growing emphasis on “physical AI,” a concept highlighted during recent industry events. By combining Bota Systems’ accurate, multimodal sensors with Kinova’s versatile manipulator, the collaboration aims to empower robotics and AI innovators to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
“By bringing accurate force sensing into focus, we’re unlocking a new dimension of robotic intelligence,” said Klajd Lika, CEO of Bota Systems. “We believe this partnership will accelerate research and inspire innovative solutions that will shape the future of robotics.”
As the robotics industry continues to evolve, the integration of advanced sensing technologies like the SensONE T15 is set to play a pivotal role in enabling robots to interact with their environments in more sophisticated and meaningful ways. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the journey toward smarter, more capable robotic systems.