ForceN offers force torque sensors for robotic wrists and other joints. The company has supplied sensing systems to surgical, logistics, humanoid, and other robots. | Source: ForceN
As humanoids move into more industrial roles, it’s crucial for them to be able to handle anything from heavy to delicate objects with precision. Force torque sensors give robots a sense of touch, and without them, robots are blind to how much pressure they’re applying while working.
At RoboBusiness 2026, Robert Brooks, the founder and CEO of ForceN, will present “A Crash Course in Force & Torque Sensing for Humanoids.” The event will be on Oct. 20 and 21 in Santa Clara, Calif., and Brooks will give his talk at 2:15 p.m. PT on the first day of the show.
Attendees will learn about the many ways they can use force and torque sensors in humanoids and how to avoid breaking them while doing it. Brooks will summarize learnings from working with many of world’s top humanoid companies over the past three years and best practices companies can incorporate from force/torque sensor developments in surgical, logistics, and field robotics with the goal of accelerating the production and field readiness of humanoids.
Brooks brings a decade of force sensing experience
Robert Brooks has spent the past decade at ForceN, where he’s spent the past decade developing force/torque sensing at ForceN. The company designs for complex and unstructured applications across surgical, logistics, space, humanoid, nuclear, and food/agricultural robotics.
ForceN was based on Brooks’ Ph.D. work on next-generation sensing and actuation for surgical robots at the University of Toronto and SickKids Hospital and his previous work experience in early unstructured robotics across the nuclear, heavy manufacturing, field, and medical robotics industries.
Brooks is working to help grow and accelerate the complex and unstructured robotics ecosystem. He does this by sharing what he has learned through his career working for and developing sensing systems to enable world-leading robotics OEMs.
Register now for RoboBusiness
RoboBusiness 2026 is the leading event for commercial robotics developers. Attendees will gain the latest insights from experts in robotics and AI on cutting-edge research; industry trends; and innovative applications in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and more.
The show also features a number of networking opportunities to give attendees a chance to connect with other experts in the industry.
Buy your full conference pass and gain full access to all keynotes, technical sessions, networking receptions, and special events. Discounts are also available for academia, associations, and corporate groups. Please email events[at]arrowfly.com for more details about our discount programs.
For information about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, download the prospectus. Questions regarding sponsorship opportunities should be directed to Colleen Sepich at csepich[AT]arrowfly.com.
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