MinebeaMitsumi Inc. (Head Office: Nagano Prefecture, Representative Director, Chairman & CEO: Yoshihisa Kainuma, hereinafter referred to as "MinebeaMitsumi") has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with Kailas Robotics Inc. (Head Office: Saitama Prefecture, Representative Director, Chairman & CEO: Munkhbayar Dambadarjaa, hereinafter referred to as "Kailas") to collaborate on the development and reliability tests of advanced robot arms equipped with MinebeaMitsumi's miniature 6-axis force torque sensors, with the goal of achieving early practical implementation.

MinebeaMitsumi's miniature 6-axis force torque sensor features a hybrid structure consisting of a MEMS chip and a metal structure, enabling it to detect 3-axis of force and 3-axis of moment. Compared to analog sensors, it offers superior noise resistance and enhanced data acquisition capabilities. At just 9.6 mm in diameter, this sensor is exceptionally compact and light. Robots and testing equipment across diverse fields employ this sensor, enabling the detection of contact, weight, delicacy, positioning, and vibration.

Kailas has successfully miniaturized its robot arm by designing FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) based on state-of-the-art SoC (System on Chip), while its core technology enables the arm to securely grip objects even when the fulcrum moves. Furthermore, the Kailas robot arm "MobiRobo" is an innovative arm that is needed for a wide range of robots, and it is optimized not only for drones, but also for UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles), humanoids and artificial arms. In January 2025, it won the "CES Innovation Award^®", which recognizes outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology, at "CES^® 2025", the world's largest technology trade show.

Amid labor shortages and frequent occurrence of natural disasters, demand is rising for AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle) and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to remove hazardous materials in disaster-stricken areas, as well as for robot arms mounted on these vehicles. There is also a growing need for higher precision and miniaturization of robot arms. Responding to these trends, MinebeaMitsumi has signed this Memorandum of Understanding with Kailas to pursue the development and practical implementation of robot arms mountable on mobile objects like drones.
Equipping connecting parts placed between Kaila's robot arm and end effector (gripper) with MinebeaMitsumi's high-precision miniature 6-axis force torque sensor "MMS101" will enhance contact detection capabilities, enabling the tip of the robot arm to perform delicate force control, gripping capability in arms, improved safety, while also saving cost and space. Additionally, utilizing Kailas's expertise in advanced robot arm technology, both companies will conduct thorough reliability tests together simulating various scenarios in which our customers may use the robot arm.

We highly anticipate that this advanced robot arm will excel across various fields, including precision work, manufacturing, and health care. We are committed to achieving the early practical implementation in an effort to develop, manufacture, and deliver products that contribute to addressing societal challenges.

Strengths of robot arms with MinebeaMitsumi's miniature torque sensors

① High-precision force control

By using MinebeaMitsumi's torque sensor, the robot arm can precisely measure and control the force applied to an object, enabling delicate tasks and precise assembly.

② Real-time feedback

Real-time feedback of data from the torque sensor enables the robot arm to instantly detect force changes and adjust its movements accordingly, reducing risks of damaging objects.

③ Enhanced safety

The torque sensor enables monitoring of applied force, performing an automatic stop function that activates when a certain threshold is exceeded. This enhances safety for operators and the surrounding environment.

④ Flexible operability

Its compact-sized sensor maximizes the robot arm's range of motion, offering flexibility in installation options. This feature helps perform complex tasks and operations in confined spaces.

⑤ Cost/space efficiency

Miniature sensors are generally more cost-effective than larger ones and require less installation space, helping to minimize the overall cost and size of the equipment.

Reference

MinebeaMitsumi's miniature 6-axis force torque sensor

About MinebeaMitsumi

MinebeaMitsumi is an INTEGRATED^* precision components manufacturer that engages in the development, manufacture, and sale of mechanical and electronic devices and components such as semiconductors, motors, and sensor with a focus on core technologies typical of ultra-precision machining. Our products include global market leading items such as miniature and small-sized ball bearings, which enable machines to rotate smoothly, for which we hold the highest share in the world^**, and 1 cell protection ICs for lithium ion batteries. Our ultra-precision technologies are used in a wide range of fields, supporting people's lives in unseen ways, including home electronics such as air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, dryers, and gaming equipment, IT devices such as smartphones and computers, automobiles, aerospace products, and medical equipment.

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* This term was adopted with the intended meaning "to be combined" rather than "to sum up".
Create new value through synergy by combining all the resources of our group

• ** According to MinebeaMitsumi

About Kailas Robotics

Founded in 2022, Kailas Robotics is a startup specializing in the development of innovative, compact, and lightweight robot arms based on cutting-edge SoC (System on Chips). Kailas was selected for the Deep Tech course of GSAP (Global Startup Acceleration Program) led by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2023, and participated in UC Berkely SkyDeck, one of the world's top startup acceleration programs. In April 2024, Kailas made its debut at AUVSI XPONENTIAL, held in San Diego, California. The company also holds a basic domestic patent for the 6-axis robot mountable on UAVs and UGVs (Patent No. 7471705).

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