Robots may seem like they can easily act precisely every time, but without the ability to “feel,” they will mess up the details.
Enter the force torque sensor — the gadget that gives robots the power to handle delicate jobs without crushing, scratching, or ruining anything.
Read on to learn more:
- What a force torque sensor is
- How it works
- Key features
- Types of sensors
- Challenges
- Benefits
- Why RO1 is the perfect match for precision tasks
What is a force torque sensor?
A force torque sensor measures forces and torques across six degrees of freedom — the x, y, and z axes and three rotational movements (roll, pitch, yaw).
Think of it as a robot’s “sense of touch”, helping it adjust movements in real time — a must when jobs need that extra bit of precision.
These sensors live on robotic arms and give robots the feedback they need to handle everything from assembling tiny parts to grinding rough edges without overdoing it.
Without them, robots are basically blind to how much pressure they’re applying, which leads to smashed parts, scratched surfaces, or just plain failure.
How does a force torque sensor work?
Force torque sensors don’t guess — they measure exactly what’s happening with the robot’s movements and react instantly.
How it’s done:
- “I detect pressure”: Strain gauges or piezoelectric elements sense forces and torques, converting them into electrical signals.
- Letting the bot know: The sensor feeds this data to the robot’s control system, making smooth and precise movements.
- Handles delicate jobs: This real-time feedback lets robots thread needles (figuratively) or polish surfaces with just the right pressure.
Key features of force torque sensors
A force torque sensor is like the brain’s hand-eye coordination for robots — without it, they’re just guessing. The right features make all the difference between a robot that smashes parts and one that pretty much nails it.
Here’s what matters:
- Precision that feels human-level: These sensors feel even the tiniest forces, so robots apply just the right pressure for jobs like inserting screws, polishing surfaces, or handling fragile items. A wide force and torque range keeps them much more versatile too.
- Built like a tank: Industrial environments are messy, hot, and unpredictable (like that one ex we all have). Rugged force torque sensors handle all of it — heat, dirt, vibrations, and accidental impacts — without losing accuracy or throwing off your production line.
- Quick thinkers: These sensors don’t hog data, they deliver it instantly, which helps robots adjust movements in real time. Whether it’s contouring a tricky edge or switching between materials, they keep things smooth.
Types of force torque sensors
Force torque sensors handle jobs differently depending on the design. Some focus on precision, while others bring simplicity or compact functionality to the game.
Here’s how they work for you:
- Six-axis sensors: These handle force and torque across six degrees of freedom — up, down, twists, turns, and everything in between. A 6-axis force torque sensor tackles high-precision stuff like surgical robotics, tricky assembly jobs, and perfectly even polishing.
- Single-axis sensors: These keep things simple and focus on one axis to manage straightforward jobs like push-pull testing or applying uniform pressure for repetitive stuff.
- Embedded sensors: These integrate directly into robotic joints, which saves space. They’re perfect for compact systems or robots that need to move fast without carrying extra weight.
Applications of force torque sensors in robotics
There are a lot of industries where bots with force torque sensors are making waves, and we’re happy to tell you about them. Who doesn’t love a sensitive bot?
Where they thrive:
- Assembly: They guide screws, bearings, and tiny parts into place without breaking or over-tightening. Unsurprisingly, robots with sensors handle these jobs better than most humans.
- Material handling: Adjusting grip strength on fragile items like glassware or thin metals means no cracks, scratches, or other disasters.
- Surface finishing: Jobs like polishing and grinding scream for even pressure, and sensors make sure the job is consistent from start to finish.
- Testing and calibration: Sensors apply exact forces to check product durability or fine-tune sensitive equipment.
- Medical robotics: Precision is life-or-death in surgeries or physical therapy, and sensors mean robots use controlled force where safety is critical.
Challenges in robotic precision without force torque sensors
Robots without force torque sensors are like painters who can’t see — they can put the brush to canvas but they won’t be able to tell if the painting is good or not.
What goes wrong:
- Wasted materials: Without feedback, robots crush fragile parts or scratch delicate surfaces, which means waste.
- Inconsistent results: Robots without sensors can’t adjust pressure dynamically, which leads to uneven assembly or poor-quality finishes.
- Limited adaptability: Complex jobs like following contours or adjusting grip strength on the fly are off the table, leaving robots stuck in rigid routines.
Benefits of integrating a force torque sensor with a robot
Adding a force torque sensor to a bot is more than just an upgrade — these sensors unlock a level of precision and adaptability that turns ordinary robots into virtuosos.
Why they’re a must-have:
- Unrelenting precision: Force torque sensors mean robots deliver consistent, repeatable results — whether they’re assembling tiny components or finishing surfaces, every move is spot-on.
- Efficiency goes through the roof: By reducing errors and rework, sensors cut down production time and save material costs, which keeps your operations lean and productive.
- Expands robot capabilities: Robots with sensors handle a wider range of jobs — from heavy-duty fare to force-sensitive assembly — which makes them more versatile across industries.
- Safer collab: Sensors cut down the risk of damaging parts or causing injury during human-robot interaction. This means they can stop accidents before they happen.
Summing up
Force torque sensors give robots the sensitive touch they need to handle delicate jobs with more precision and accuracy.
Without them, assembling delicate components to polishing rough surfaces would be impossible. If you want real precision and care, then buying a robot with a force torque sensor is pretty much a no-brainer.
Next steps with RO1 by Standard Bots
If you’re ready to elevate your operations, RO1 is the six-axis cobot arm that makes precision and adaptability a reality for shop floors big and small.
- Affordable and versatile: RO1 offers best-in-class capabilities at half the purchase price of comparable robots. Leasing starts at just $5/hour.
- Flawless accuracy: With a repeatability of ±0.025 mm, RO1 ensures perfect results for even the most demanding tasks.
- User-friendly operation: Its no-code interface allows quick setup, even for those without robotics experience. Plus, its AI is on par with GPT-4 which makes it a flexible titan that can handle any task you throw at it.
- Safety-first design: Machine vision and collision detection ensure smooth human-robot collaboration.
Schedule your risk-free, 30-day onsite trial today and see how RO1 levels up your shop floor’s productivity.
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