Fourier has unveiled a new six-axis force sensor for humanoid robots, priced at just half the cost of comparable products on the market, according to an industry insider.

The sensor will cost less than 5,000 yuan (USD710), while similar components currently used in androids are priced around 10,000 yuan (USD1,420), the source said.

Six-axis force sensors are precision instruments that measure force and torque along three axes simultaneously. Acting as the “fingertip of a robot,” they allow machines to detect subtle contact and force changes, enabling refined tactile and force control.

Fourier’s sensor adopts an optical path design rather than the traditional strain gauge attachment method. It detects force-induced deformation through an optical structure, reducing reliance on manual assembly and improving overall precision and reliability.