Industrial automation relies on robotic arms for welding, material handling, and accurate assembly. They improve productivity and safety while doing difficult tasks in unsafe environments. Meanwhile, robotic arm sensors provide crucial data for precision control and navigation. For example, force/torque sensors guarantee precision and delicate handling. On the other hand, LIDAR and thermal cameras detect and map objects and environments. By avoiding accidents, collision detection sensors strengthen worker safety. In automated scenarios, combining these sensors boosts robotic arm dependability. Let's go into more detail for each sensor type.
Types of Sensors in Robotic Arms
1. Vision Sensors
2D vision robotic arm sensors are cameras that detect conveyor movement and locate pieces. They record and analyze video to provide the robot with exact object placement information. E.g., a 2D vision sensor can recognize pieces on a conveyor belt. It allows the robotic arm to choose and place them in real-time. The stability and suppleness of this technology have made it prominent in production for decades. 3D vision sensors create detailed 3D models using two cameras at different angles or laser scanners. Robotic arms use 3D vision sensors to locate and select things in a bin, assess their forms, and calculate the best way to pick them up. With accurate identification and modeling, the robot can do difficult duties, including assembly and inspection, for productivity.
2. Force/Torque Sensors
Robotic arms need force/torque sensors for a sense of touch. The sensors placed between the robot and its end effector monitor robot forces and torques. Force/torque sensors circumvent damage and misalignment while guaranteeing proper assembly pressure. They are also needed in hand-guiding applications, including welding robots' Kinetiq Teaching technology. That's where a human operator instructs the robot to choose pathways or actions. Force/torque sensors track the teacher's motions to precisely replicate and program the robot's activities. Furthermore, these sensors also restrict robot force for greater safety while dealing with people.
3. Proximity Sensors
For robotic arm obstacle detection and collision avoidance, proximity sensors identify things without physical touch. They estimate object proximity while emitting electromagnetic fields or signals and measuring reflections. IR transceivers produce infrared light and detect reflections from surrounding objects, functioning as proximity sensors in robotic systems. On the other hand, ultrasonic sensors estimate distance by discharging high-frequency sound waves and quantifying their echoes. Both types are used in applications that precisely detect nearby objects, including navigating through narrow corridors or avoiding collisions with humans and other robots. The sensors render robotic arms secure and quick in chaotic industrial contexts.
4. Safety Sensors
In collaborative robot-human ecosystems, safety sensors safeguard workers. The sensors may recognize people near the robot using cameras and lasers. A safety sensor may slow or halt the robot if a person is nearby to avoid mishaps. For example, industry robots utilize safety laser scanners to monitor a pre-determined safety zone. When a worker reaches this zone, the robot adjusts to prevent collision. Safer workplaces comply with safety rules and avoid injuries. Safety sensors are key in collaborative robotics, where humans and robots interact.
5. Part Detection Sensors
Part detection sensors ensure the robotic arm's gripper grasps pieces accurately. They indicate the gripper's location and component pickup. In manufacturing, the sensor signals the system to retry if a gripper fails to grab a part. Adaptive grippers pinpoint parts without extra sensors and secure them with a pre-determined force. After applying the needed force, the system verifies the part's existence and prepares it for the next phase. It improves automated picking and placing reliability.
6. Specialized Sensors
First of all, robot collision detection sensors detect anomalous forces or pressures and halt the robot to protect people. Collaborative robots need tactile feedback to avoid mishaps. Moreover, tactile sensors assess end effector forces to regulate gripping and object location. They can also sense heat fluctuations for their better versatility. Similarly, thermal cameras prevent robots from overheating in hazardous locales and provide safe navigation. What is more, precision motor control sensors include optical, electromechanical, and hall-effect encoders. They supervise motor position, speed, and rotation so the robotic arm welds or applies adhesive precisely. Hence, such robotic arm sensors facilitate accurate robot operation and industrial safety.
Emerging Sensor Technologies
New robotic arm sensor technologies, including LIDAR and Radar, boost autonomous robot accuracy and utility. LIDAR emits millions of light points per second in a 360-degree perspective to build 3D maps for warehouses and other complex locations. Though energy-expensive and computationally difficult, LIDAR systems can analyze point clouds with AI neural networks for object categorization and surface meshing. In contrast, radar uses radio waves to identify huge objects across many kilometers with little power usage. Radar suits large-scale applications like warehouse racking and infrastructure despite its low resolution. Robots can recognize parts and avoid obstacles more accurately with these new robotic arm sensors for performance.
To know which types of robotic arm sensors we leverage, please contact us.