Paxini PX-6AX GEN 3 Multidimensional Tactile Sensor - A Practical Guide to High-Resolution Touch Sensing for Robotics

Written By Jerry Huang

The Paxini PX-6AX GEN 3 Multidimensional Tactile Sensor is a high-performance tactile sensing module designed to give robots a true sense of touch. Unlike simple force sensors, PX-6AX sensors capture distributed, three-axis force information across a surface, enabling robots to feel pressure, shear, and contact location in real time. At the Silicon Valley Robotics Center (SVRC), we introduce Paxini sensors as a core building block for dexterous manipulation, embodied AI research, and human–robot interaction.

What Problem Does Paxini Solve?

Robots that rely only on vision struggle with fine manipulation. Tasks like adjusting grip force, detecting slip, or handling fragile objects require tactile feedback. Paxini sensors address this gap by providing dense, high-resolution force arrays that allow robots to:

  • Detect normal force (Fz) and tangential forces (Fx, Fy)

  • Infer contact location and pressure distribution

  • Adapt grasp strategies dynamically instead of using fixed rules

This capability is essential for robotic hands, grippers, and humanoid systems operating in real-world environments.

How the Technology Works

The PX-6AX GEN 3 series uses a semi-flexible, dual-layer architecture based on the Hall effect. A deformable elastomer layer responds to contact forces, while an underlying sensing layer measures magnetic field changes caused by that deformation. Integrated onboard processing converts these signals into clean, multidimensional force data.

A key feature is Paxini’s anti-stray magnetic field algorithm, which filters out environmental magnetic interference and ensures stable, reliable measurements even in complex lab or industrial settings  .

Core Capabilities

Multidimensional Force Sensing

  • Triaxial force output (Fx, Fy, Fz)

  • Both per-cell force data and resultant force vectors

  • Spatial resolution of 1 mm, enabling precise contact localization

High Sensitivity and Durability

  • Minimum detectable force: 0.1 N

  • Measurement accuracy: 1% full scale

  • Rated for 10+ million cycles, suitable for long-term experimentation

Modular Form Factors

The PX-6AX GEN 3 family includes fingertip, finger-pad, palm, and larger surface sensors in multiple sizes, making it easy to integrate into:

  • Robotic hands

  • Parallel or adaptive grippers

  • Humanoid palms and fingers

System Integration & Interfaces

Paxini sensors are designed for research and system integration, supporting multiple communication options:

  • SPI (high-speed, recommended for dense arrays)

  • UART (921600 baud)

  • I²C (up to 200 kHz)

Each sensor includes onboard signal processing and can be connected via optional communication boards to a host computer. Paxini provides a desktop visualization tool for:

  • Real-time force mapping

  • Calibration and zeroing

  • Data recording and firmware updates 

Typical Applications at SVRC

At the Silicon Valley Robotics Center, Paxini tactile sensors are featured in demonstrations and research workflows such as:

  • Dexterous robotic hands – slip detection, adaptive grasping

  • Embodied AI learning – tactile-informed reinforcement and imitation learning

  • Human–robot interaction – safer, more responsive physical contact

  • Manipulation benchmarking – evaluating grasp quality beyond vision

These sensors help bridge the gap between perception and action, making robotic systems more robust and intelligent.

Best Practices & Safety Notes

To ensure reliable performance, users should:

  • Keep the elastomer surface clean and free from sharp impacts

  • Avoid immersion in liquids or exposure to strong magnetic fields

  • Calibrate sensors under no-load conditions before data collection

  • Follow manufacturer guidelines for power, wiring, and handling 

Why SVRC Recommends Paxini

Paxini tactile sensors strike a rare balance between research-grade capability and practical usability. They are sophisticated enough for cutting-edge embodied AI work, yet robust and well-documented for hands-on learning, prototyping, and live demonstrations.

For anyone exploring the future of robotic manipulation, touch is no longer optional—and Paxini provides one of the most complete tactile sensing solutions available today.

Interested in seeing Paxini sensors in action?

Visit SVRC in Palo Alto or join one of our hands-on workshops to explore tactile sensing firsthand.

Jerry Huang
Next

Dexterous hands