making
human-like action
possible
Sangtera makes robotic joints stronger, nimbler and more efficient.
Current limitations
Robotic joints face three critical limitations while trying to replicate human action and movement, especially the versatility of human hands.
Insufficient strength
When conventional motors are scaled down to size of a joint, their ability to generate torque falls off dramatically.
A simple action like lifting a glass of water is challenging. Opening a jar of jam is nearly impossible.
Poor force feedback
To overcome the drop in torque, robotic joints either use high gear ratios, or long cables. Both approaches "disconnect" the motor from the environment — and remove feedback.
Without feedback, robotic joints need several sensors to detect and respond to resistance.
Energy use and heating
Electromagnetic motors have to expend energy to maintain force; the act of holding a cup is as energy intensive as lifting it.
Heat generating while maintaining force can damage windings and magnets.
These limitations have been widely reported. Here is one explanation from a robotics firm, another from an actuator manufacturer, and a WSJ article published in October 2025.
Our solution: microhydraulic actuators
Invented at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Sangtera’s microhydraulic actuators harness the power of electrowetting to address all the constraints faced by conventional electromagnetic systems.
Hundreds of times the torque-density
Microhydraulic actuation generates hundreds of times the specific torque of conventional electromagnetic motor technologies.
Inherently backdrivable
With high torque density, we eliminate the need for a high gear ratio. Sangtera actuators are inherently backdrivable, with built-in position and force sensing.
Zero-power hold
Since our microhydraulic actuators harness electrostatic forces, once they hold an object, they maintain their hold with minimum power consumption.
And there's more...
Apart from removing constraints, microhydraulic actuators offer many additional benefits that make them configurable, scalable, and robust.
Modular and configurable
The building block of our actuators are only 15 microns tall, and start at 6 mm in diameter — thinner than a hair, and smaller than a fingernail.
They can be stacked in different configurations to optimize torque and speed.
Designed for high-volume manufacturing
Our actuators are fabricated on assembly lines that are used today to make electronic displays.
We have redesigned the assembly line in our pilot facility, and secured manufacturing capacity for the long-term.
Minimal wear and tear
Layers of microhydraulic actuators have a fluid-to-fluid interface, which acts as both the lubricant and the "gearing" mechanism.
This allow for smooth, high-speed motion without the mechanical wear seen in solid-to-solid micro-motors.
Funding
We are funded by early-stage venture capital and research grants.
In the news
NEMC HUB announces $1.43M to 19 semiconductor companies
April 23, 2025
Sangtera chosen to be among 19 startups awarded by the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub through its Powering Regional Opportunities for Prototyping Microelectronics (PROPEL) Operations Program.
Sangtera awarded $1.18M as Part of NSF STTR Phase II
April 1, 2025
The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II awarded $1.18 million to Sangtera for a project focused on designing, fabricating, and characterizing a small form-factor precision stage prototype to support high accuracy and high throughput chiplet-to-wafer hybrid bonding.
Sangtera funded by UK's robot dexterity program
February 20, 2025
Backed by £57m, ARIA's Robot Dexterity Program aims to transform robotic capabilities and unlock a step change in human productivity. Sangtera was awarded funding for technologies aimed at releasing the bottlenecks in robotic dexterity and creating vastly more capable and useful machines.
NEMC awards over $1M to advance microelectronic innovation
October 8, 2024
Sangtera was among 13 companies selected to be a part of a first-of-its-kind program that funds startups and small businesses developing next-generation microelectronics technologies.
Sangtera awarded $275,000 by the National Science Foundation
January 15, 2024
Sangtera awarded $275,000 by National Science Foundation as part of the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project, to develop microhydraulic actuators for high-accurarcy, high-speed, position stages.