I-PEX Inc. (Headquarters: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Representative Director and President: Reiji Konishi, hereinafter referred to as I-PEX) will start accepting orders for engineering samples of the human-detection safety sensor “Smart Cloth” (hereinafter referred to as Smart Cloth), which has been under development since 2024*and is ideal for collaborative robots and other applications, from December 2025.
Smart Cloth is a new concept sensor that combines safety and flexible applicability, by using a unique conductive fabric technology to detect objects approaching within 15 cm before they make contact with a person.
Smart Cloth will be exhibited at the 2025 International Robot Exhibition held at Tokyo Big Sight from December 3rd to 6th, 2025.
Human-detection safety sensor, Smart Cloth (engineering sample)
Background to the Development of Smart Cloth
I-PEX has previously offered the ESTORQ®, a solution using Electrostatic Capacitance Torque Sensor, to instantly stop a robot upon contact with a person. However, robot manufacturers have requested a solution that stops robots before contact occurs, and the lack of a versatile proximity sensor on the market has been an issue.
I-PEX therefore focused on conductive fabric, which combines the flexibility of cloth with the conductive properties of other materials, and developed Smart Cloth, which can be used in a variety of robots.
Features of Smart Cloth
Smart Cloth is a proximity sensor made of conductive fabric that detects objects up to 15 cm away without contact. Its cloth-based structure offers flexibility, making it easy to fit workpieces of various shapes or areas where there is a risk of contact with people, such as robots.
- The contactless technology detects proximity up to 15cm before a person comes into contact with the device.
- The flexibility of the fabric allows for easy installation by attaching or wrapping the product around the target area.
- Smart Cloth can be used for a wide range of applications, including industrial robots, AMR/AGVs, machine tools, and service robots
Examples of How to Use Smart Cloth
Image of the use of the human-detection safety sensor Smart Cloth
By installing Smart Cloth in the following locations, it can be used to avoid contact and as a safety aid.
- Collaborative robot end effector
- Door parts of machine tools, semi-automatic machines (jigs), molding machines, etc.
- AMR/AGV housing
- Food delivery and service robot housing
In addition to the above, Smart Cloth is anticipated to be used in a wide range of applications, including amusement games, housing facilities, construction and building maintenance, nursing care equipment, medical equipment, shutters, and as a general-purpose sensor.
Smart Cloth Product Specifications
| Product name | human-detection safety sensor Smart Cloth |
|---|---|
| Detection distance | Up to approximately 15cm |
| External dimensions | 120mm × 600mm |
| Weight | Approximately 100g |
| Output | Non-voltage contact |
| Power supply | DC 24V |
| Protection class | IP20 |
| Operating temperature and humidity range | 0 to 50°C/0 to 95% (no condensation) |
| Certifications | Safety2.0 |
- *This product is an engineering sample and specifications may change without notice.
Download Catalogue
- 「Smart Cloth」 製品カタログ（2.7MB）
- HCI Co., Ltd. Booth No. W1-14
- YANAGIHARA MECHAX CO., LTD. Booth No. W1-50
Exhibiting at the International Robot Exhibition 2025
I-PEX will exhibit Smart Cloth at the 2025 International Robot Exhibition to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from Wednesday, December 3rd to Saturday, December 6th, 2025.
| Dates | Wednesday, December 3rd – Saturday, December 6th, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Place | Tokyo Big Sight |
| Exhibition Booth | |
| Exhibit Products | Smart Cloth |
About I-PEX Sensor Products
I-PEX has developed its own sensing technology and offers a diverse range of sensors that enhance collaboration and safety, including ESTORQ®series of torque sensors for human-robot contact detection, Smart Cloth for non-contact proximity sensing and smell sensors such as nose@MEMS® and noseStick® powered by MEMS technology. I-PEX is creating unprecedented solutions that contribute to safety and comfort in a wide range of applications, from industrial to lifestyle and mobility.
About I-PEX Inc.
I-PEX stands for “Innovative Product development & Engineering solutions eXpert” providing value in the form of inspiration and astonishment in the global marketplace. The company was founded in 1963 as Dai-ichi Seiko, a precision mold manufacturer, and has since produced numerous world-firsts and unique products and solutions. I-PEX currently operates in five business fields: Connectors, Contract Manufacturing (Automotive Components & Electronics Components), Molds & Equipment, MEMS Foundry, and Energy Solutions. By delivering the sharpest tip to the world, we will contribute to exciting value-creation in the digitalized society by working globally with every customer who opens up the new era.
| Trade Name | I-PEX Inc. |
|---|---|
| President | Representative Director and President Reiji Konishi |
| Location | 12-4 Negoro, Momoyama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-8024 |
| Establishment | July 10, 1963 |
| Paid-in Capital | 9.968 billion yen (as of November 10, 2025) |
| Business Operation | ・ Connectors Business ・ Contract Manufacturing Business (Automotive Components & Electronics Components) ・ Mold & Equipment Business ・ MEMS Foundry Business ・ Energy Solutions Business |
| URL | https://corp.i-pex.com/ja |
