ForceN to Teach Force and Torque Sensing for Humanoids at RoboBusiness 2026

ForceN builds force-torque sensors for robotic wrists and other joints. According to the company, its sensing systems have been supplied to surgical, logistics, humanoid, and other robot platforms.

As humanoids move into more industrial roles, they must be able to handle everything from heavy payloads to delicate objects with precision. Force-torque sensors give robots a sense of touch, and without them, a robot is blind to how much pressure it is applying while working.

At RoboBusiness 2026, Robert Brooks, founder and CEO of ForceN, will present "A Crash Course in Force & Torque Sensing for Humanoids." The event runs 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 force and torque sensors can be used in humanoids, and how to avoid breaking them while doing so.

Brooks will summarize lessons from working with many of the world's top humanoid companies over the past three years. He will also share best practices that companies can adopt from force/torque sensor developments in surgical, logistics, and field robotics.

The stated goal is to accelerate the production and field readiness of humanoid robots.

Brooks brings a decade of force-sensing experience to the topic. He has spent the past 10 years at ForceN, where he has focused on developing force/torque sensing. The company designs sensors for complex and unstructured applications across surgical, logistics, space, humanoid, nuclear, and food and agricultural robotics.

ForceN was founded on Brooks' Ph.D. work on next-generation sensing and actuation for surgical robots at the University of Toronto and SickKids Hospital. It also draws on his earlier experience in unstructured robotics across the nuclear, heavy manufacturing, field, and medical robotics industries.

Brooks works to help grow and accelerate the complex and unstructured robotics ecosystem. He does this by sharing what he has learned while developing sensing systems for world-leading robotics OEMs.

RoboBusiness 2026 is described as a leading event for commercial robotics developers. Attendees can gain insights from robotics and AI experts on cutting-edge research, industry trends, and innovative applications in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and logistics.

The show also features a number of networking opportunities that give attendees a chance to connect with other experts in the industry. A full conference pass provides access to all keynotes, technical sessions, networking receptions, and special events, with discounts available for academia, associations, and corporate groups; those interested can email events[at]arrowfly.com for details on the discount programs.

Information about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities is available through the prospectus, and questions about sponsorship should be directed to Colleen Sepich at csepich[AT]arrowfly.com.