Melexis Tactaxis: magnetic 3D force sensing explained

The table preserves the values and dates in Melexis publications. These are manufacturer statements, not an independent characterization or a substitute for the datasheet of an orderable module.

The elastomer provides a compliant contact interface. Its embedded magnet changes position under load, and the Triaxis Hall-effect sensing elements detect the resulting field changes. A calibrated relationship converts the magnetic observation to force; measuring three magnetic axes alone is not a force calibration.

Melexis describes a gradiometric arrangement intended to reject stray magnetic fields. Treat that as a design property reported by the manufacturer, not evidence of immunity to every magnet, motor or installation condition. Ask for the applicable interference test and mounting constraints.

For a separate magnetic design and its calibration boundaries, read the ReSkin sensor profile.

The February 2022 release is explicitly a working prototype. Its 2.7 mN figure must not be combined with the later e-guide dimensions to create a single specification for a purchasable part.

On April 21, 2026, Melexis announced work with OYMotion and described Tactaxis-based fingertip modules moving into industrialization. This is newer availability context than the prototype announcement, but it does not provide a complete catalogue of module variants, public part numbers or shipment commitments.

Melexis identifies robotic grasping, delicate-object handling and force feedback as applications. Its 2025 guide also discusses arrays for multi-finger hands, prosthetic devices and exoskeletons. These are proposed integration settings, not certification of any finished robot.

Engineering interpretation: shortlist Tactaxis when a local normal-and-shear signal is the requirement. If the task instead requires a detailed contact image or a large pressure map, compare complete optical or capacitive implementations and the processing each output needs. A force-resolution value cannot be ranked directly against camera pixels or taxel density.

The documented concept combines a soft contact surface with a magnetic readout, and the later module programme targets easier integration into robot hands. These are useful design directions; the reviewed material does not establish an installation-ready electrical and mechanical contract for every application.

Before designing around a module, request its pinout and protocol, calibrated axes and coordinate frame, bandwidth and latency, cross-axis error, overload limits, lifetime evidence and replacement instructions. These are procurement questions, not claims that the product lacks those capabilities.

The specification publications are not an independent optical-versus-capacitive-versus-magnetic benchmark. Compare candidates under the same forces, contact geometry, environment and task criteria.

The cited Melexis documents do not establish a public unit price, live inventory or lead time for a named Tactaxis module. Use the manufacturer inquiry route to obtain an orderable configuration and its current datasheet. The April 2026 industrialization announcement should not be rewritten as an in-stock retail offer.