The technology shifts the paradigm from avoiding deformation to leveraging structural flexibility for sensing. The design’s use of soft materials suggests future robots might be safer in close human environments.

Credits: Unsplash; Author: @possessed-photography;

In tests, the prototype achieved over 90 % effective sensing coverage even under large shape changes, highlighting its safety and adaptability near humans and fragile items. FlexiRay captures multiple sensory data across a wide contact area.