Haply Robotics’ Inverse3 system allows operators to manipulate robots while receiving real-time force feedback. | Source: PickNik Robotics
PickNik Robotics this week said it has partnered with Haply Robotics to bring Haply’s responsive Inverse3 haptic controller into the MoveIt Pro developer platform. The result is a more intuitive and responsive way to interact with and teleoperate robotic arms in dynamic environments.
“We see haptics not just as a way to control robots, but as a way to teach them,” stated Colin Gallacher, CEO of Haply Robotics. “By integrating Inverse3 with MoveIt Pro, developers can now gather training data with precision and intent. It’s a powerful tool for building intelligent, adaptive robotic systems.”
The Inverse3 is a lightweight, high-fidelity haptic device to let operators directly manipulate robots while receiving real-time force feedback. This tactile interface doesn’t just make teleoperation feel more natural—it also opens new doors for machine learning, PickNik said.
Now, with MoveIt Pro and Inverse3, developers can generate high-quality training data for robot learning pipelines, according to the company. This includes capturing real human motion trajectories, grasp strategies, and corrective behaviors in real time.
The partners said they will bring developers one step closer to a more intuitive, responsive, and teachable form of human-robot collaboration. By merging the physical feedback of the Inverse3 with the planning intelligence of MoveIt Pro, PickNik aims to give users a new interface for both controlling and training robotic systems.
Founded in 2015 for the Amazon Picking Challenge, PickNik Robotics has developed software to help improve precision and efficiency in industries ranging from aerospace to construction and logistics. The Boulder, Colo.-based company is also active in the open-source Robot Operating System (ROS) community.
Inverse3 makes MoveIt Pro more intuitive
PickNik Robotics said it built MoveIt Pro to give developers and operators robust tools for remote robot manipulation over a local network, the open Internet, or satellite links. With features like browser-based teleoperation, supervised autonomy, and integrated motion planning, the company claimed that it enables safe and efficient control, even in constrained or high-latency environments.
Among Inverse3’s upgrades, users can now more easily control the robot’s interaction with the environment and adjust trajectories on the fly. They can also maintain tight control over complex tasks, no matter how far away the robot is, said PickNik.
“From the first time I tried the Inverse3, it was clear this controller had the potential to improve how humans provide teleop assistance to robots,” said Dr. Dave Coleman, chief product officer at PickNik Robotics. “It’s incredibly intuitive, responsive, and a perfect match for our vision of human-in-the-loop autonomy. We’re thrilled to bring this to MoveIt Pro users.”
The combination of Inverse3 and MoveIt Pro is designed to operate robots for a range of applications. These include nuclear maintenance, orbital inspection, underwater infrastructure, or surgical research and development. Its capabilities include:
- Tactile teleoperation: Real-time force feedback helps operators maintain precision in uncertain, dynamic environments.
- Hybrid autonomy: Operators can use supervised autonomy to preview, adjust, and approve robotic decisions with the guidance of haptic input.
- Easy deployment: No thick client or high-end workstation is needed—run everything from a web browser, even over 4G, 5G, or low-bandwidth links, said PickNik.
See PickNik at the Robotics Summit
To learn more about PickNik Robotics, visit the company at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center from April 30 to May 1. The company will be at Booth 442 on the show floor.
The Robotics Summit will bring together more than 5,000 attendees focused on building robots for various commercial industries. Attendees can gain insights into the latest enabling technologies, engineering best practices, emerging trends, and more.
The show will have more than 50 educational sessions in tracks on AI, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on the show floor will also feature presentations by industry experts.
The expo hall will have over 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest enabling technologies, products, and services that can help robotics engineers throughout their development journeys.
The Robotics Summit also offers numerous networking opportunities, a Career Fair, a robotics development challenge, the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards Gala, and more.
Co-located with the event is DeviceTalks Boston, the premier event for medical technology professionals, currently in its tenth year. Both events attract engineering and business professionals from a broad range of healthcare and medical technology backgrounds.
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