Abstract: A tactile bumper is configured to obtain sensory information for impact dction and collision avoidance from the entire perimeter of an associated autonomous mobile robot or platform. The tactile bumper comprises a plurality of free-floating strips encased in a housing and is disposed in a spring-loaded fashion so as to normally be in an extended position. A plurality of microswitches are affixed to the housing and are arranged behind the plurality of free-floating strips in such a fashion so as to be activated by any displacement thereof. The most significant component(s) of the tactile bumper are a plurality of free-floating corner pieces, each of which is configured with an angled cut at its ends so as to mate with complementary angled cuts of juxtaposed ones of the plurality of free-floating strips.