Locus Robotics integrates soft gripping technology from Nexera to enhance manipulation

Locus Robotics has acquired Nexera Robotics, known for its NeuraGrasp soft end effector technology. The company plans to integrate this technology into its Array mobile manipulator to handle a wider range of items, including porous and cloth materials. The acquisition builds on Locus's existing picking capabilities and aims to scale the technology across its fleet.

Nexera's NeuraGrasp went through at least six product generations before the companies connected at MODEX. The timing proved critical — Locus was already deep into Array's development, but the robot's existing air and power infrastructure made integration feasible. Belak noted that missing this window by another year would have made the changes significantly harder to implement.

The technology combines suction and pinch grasping, addressing a gap where standard suction alone falls short — roughly 30-40% of warehouse items. Array is currently deploying with its original gripper, and Belak expects Nexera's technology to appear on the next public display. Customer demand for Array is reportedly strong, with a long line of interested buyers.