Tesla Patent Reveals Flexible Sensors That Let Optimus Feel Objects

Tesla has filed a patent for curved touch sensors for Optimus robot fingers and palms. Flexible sensing layers with conductive patterns are printed and molded around rounded surfaces, letting the robot sense contact force and potentially identify objects by touch.

• Patent was filed on September 11, 2025, and published today
• Sensors include multiple independently monitored pixel regions on fingers and palm
• Both capacitive and resistive sensor designs are described
• Conductive ink is screen-printed and shaped over a mold