Locus Robotics Acquires Nexera for Advanced

Locus Robotics Corp. has acquired Nexera Robotics to integrate its NeuraGrasp gripping technology into the Locus Array mobile manipulator. The deal, finalized after the companies met at MODEX in 2025, aims to expand the range of items Locus robots can handle in warehouse operations.

According to Roy Belak, senior vice president of robotic grasping at Locus and former CEO of Nexera, the timing was ideal. Locus wanted to handle more product variants, or SKUs, in its facilities. Vancouver-based Nexera was seeking a path to large-scale deployment. Belak described the meeting with Locus as a fortuitous situation that occurred just as NeuraGrasp was demonstrating compelling capabilities.

Integrating NeuraGrasp with Array

Nexera and Locus began collaborating in 2025 during the early market release planning for the Array robot. At that time, Array used a standard suction-cup gripper. Belak stated that significant work was done prior to the acquisition to ensure Nexera's technology could be integrated into the development stream. He noted that the Array robot was already well-prepared, having an air supply, power supply, and other necessary components.

Belak is optimistic about the integration process. He expects the next public display of Array to feature Nexera technology. Currently, Locus is in early stages of deploying Array with its original gripper to customers. A long line of customers is excited about Array, Belak said, which is both exciting and intimidating as the system will be integrated into many different environments and generate vast amounts of data for optimization.

The Grasping Technology Spectrum

Belak explained that much of robotic manipulation exists on a spectrum between suction-based grasping and pinch grasping. He claimed suction is very good, particularly in warehouse operations, and is sufficient 60% to 70% of the time. The challenge lies in the remaining 30% to 40% of items where higher coverage is needed.

NeuraGrasp's soft gripping technology is designed to bridge this gap because it uses both suction and pinching. Belak acknowledged that pinch grasping is widely recognized as influential for the future of robotic grasping. However, he affirmed that suction remains a reliable and effective solution for a significant portion of tasks.

Prioritizing Reliability Over Speed

In the industrial environment, reliability is everything, according to Belak. He noted that suction technologies, while having performance limitations, are incredibly reliable. Some pinch grasping technologies can border on marginally reliable to very unreliable. The primary goal is to create robots that can perform tasks successfully and consistently.

After success, the top priority is reliability. The quality of the pick is also essential. Belak emphasized a big differentiation between being able to do a task and doing it with high quality. Locus aims to bring its reputation for high-quality autonomous mobile robots to the picking domain.

The team wants to focus on avoiding product damage, double picks, and misspicks. These issues are not often highlighted in robot advertising but can quickly increase customer costs. Belak stated that once quality is assured, then increasing speed can become a focus.

Industry Challenges for Robotic Picking

Belak identified two main roadblocks hindering the robotic picking industry: the development of artificial intelligence and giving robots a robust sense of touch. He claimed the industry is proficient at building sophisticated mechanical hands, but the intelligence for pinch grasping lags behind. The challenge is 100% the proprioception, data metrics, and feedback mechanisms needed to control these hands.

He pointed out that robust, reliable tactile sensing that does not degrade quickly is particularly tough to simulate or generate data for. Nexera currently uses a sense of touch and is interested in advancing it. While Locus is early in its journey with Array, Belak said the company's manipulation roadmap extends beyond this single platform. Robotic manipulation in general has been identified as a pillar of innovation where Locus wants to be exceptional.

Locus Robotics CEO Rick Faulk is scheduled to speak at RoboBusiness 2026 in Santa Clara, California, on October 20 and 21.