Shanghai-based Kapler Robotics has unveiled China's first VTLA (Vision-Tactile-Language-Action) full-perception tactile solution, addressing the long-standing gap in physical interaction capability for humanoid robots.
The VTLA solution integrates tactile sensing with six-axis force perception, giving robots the ability to not only see objects but also feel them — a critical capability for tasks requiring precise force control. Traditional vision-only approaches allow robots to "see" objects but cannot judge contact force, limiting their effectiveness in real-world physical interactions.
Technical Breakthrough:
Kapler's system employs force-feedback exoskeletons and tactile gloves to achieve "tactile + six-dimensional force" multimodal perception. The company's CEO Song Hua explained that this solution fundamentally upgrades robot perception from purely visual to full multimodal sensing.
Real-world testing results demonstrate dramatic improvements:
- Contact-intensive tasks (plug insertion, assembly): success rate increased from 50% to 86%
- Automotive factory precision assembly line: 1,000 consecutive assemblies achieved 98% success rate
- The solution complements Kapler's K2 "Bumblebee" humanoid robot, which features 52 degrees of freedom, 80+ body sensors, and 11-DOF dexterous hands with 302 tactile sensor arrays
Industry Context:
The VTLA launch comes as Shanghai's embodied AI ecosystem accelerates toward large-scale deployment. Kapler, founded in 2023, is a leader in heavy-load full-size industrial humanoid robots. The company's K2 Bumblebee robot has completed validation across numerous industrial scenarios including manufacturing, warehousing, and inspection.
According to the company, 2026 Q1 revenue has already surpassed 50% of full-year 2025, with over 47 million RMB in orders on hand. The company is also in the process of being acquired by Hangzhou Kelin Electric (688611.SH) for a controlling stake.
This VTLA solution marks a critical step in bridging the gap between robot perception and real-world physical interaction, enabling more sophisticated industrial applications.
