Korea Institute Develops Ultra-Small 3-Axis Magnetic Sensor

Recap

Source: 헬로디디, report of Oct. 6, 2026

According to the report, a research team at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has developed an ultra-small 3-axis magnetic sensor. The device is designed to measure magnetic fields in the x, y, and z directions simultaneously, allowing it to detect precise movements and positions in confined spaces. The team, led by Oh Seon-jong, a principal researcher in the Bio-Mechanical Laboratory, announced the development on October 6.

The sensor addresses a key limitation of traditional planar magnetic sensors, which struggle to detect magnetic fields entering perpendicular to the sensor surface. Previous solutions often required complex materials that retained magnetism after the external field was removed, necessitating separate initialization hardware. To solve this, the researchers utilized superparamagnetic nanoparticles, which lose their magnetism once the external field disappears. By printing these nanoparticles directly onto the sensor, the team created a device that measures all three axes without needing additional initialization equipment.

The developed sensor measures 500 micrometers by 500 micrometers. When four sensing elements are operated simultaneously, the power consumption is approximately 16mW. The team also enhanced sensitivity in the vertical direction by about 3 times compared to previous versions by aligning the nanoparticles vertically during the curing process. Additionally, the sensor was expanded into a tactile sensor by combining it with an elastic body containing a permanent magnet, enabling it to detect pushing or pressing forces. The research was published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials in June and selected as a cover paper.

Context

Magnetic sensors are critical components in robotics, particularly for joint encoders and position tracking. However, integrating 3D sensing into small, low-power devices has been challenging due to the physical constraints of planar sensor designs. The use of superparamagnetic materials is a known approach in advanced sensor fabrication, but applying it to create a compact, low-power 3-axis device is a significant engineering advancement. This type of sensor is essential for applications requiring high precision in tight spaces, such as robotic hands, soft robots, and wearable medical devices.

Robot's take

This development is significant for the miniaturization of robotic sensing systems. By eliminating the need for complex initialization hardware, the sensor becomes more practical for integration into small, battery-powered devices. The ability to measure force in addition to position opens up possibilities for more dexterous robotic manipulation. However, the real-world performance of the sensor in dynamic, high-speed robotic applications remains to be seen. The 3x improvement in vertical sensitivity is promising, but it will need to be validated in practical scenarios where environmental magnetic noise could interfere with readings. This technology could be a key enabler for the next generation of compact, high-precision robotic systems.