New age position sensor technologies are storming the robotics industry

Posted by KBV Research on September 10th, 2019

Position sensors technology empowered robots to see and sense their environment much more accurately and to execute tasks more effectively as well as prevent obstacles, including people. Likewise, the integration of a single tactile force and sensors allows robots to improve their touch-and-sense skills to work with greater accuracy and security.

In the advancement of next-generation industrial robots and the birth of the consumer robot, fast and constant implementation of many new sensor technologies is essential. A host of unique and innovative models of sensor technology, together with advanced processor technology and supporting software intelligence, including artificial intelligence, allows both industrial and consumer robots to function more efficiently and to perform complex tasks than ever.

What are position sensors?

Any equipment used to measure a distance traveled by a body from its reference place is a position sensor. In relation to a fixed or arbitrary point, it measures the linear or angular position. It is also possible to detect the presence or absence of an object by the position sensor. Sensors depend on capacitance, resistance, inductivity or reluctance change. The capacitance of the capacitor depends on how far two plates overlap or how two plates overlap.

In a wiper electric contact with the wire, a potentiometric displacing sensor utilizes a comparatively high-resistance wire. The resistance of the circuit changes as the object passes along the wire. The placement of the instrument along the wire is known by measuring the strength. The use of the ferromagnetic core in the form of a rod surrounded by a hollow wire coil accomplishes variable inductance. The inductance of the coil is changed when the core joins the coil.

Types of position sensors

• Linear

In several application systems such as electronic equipment, linear position sensors are linear variable differential transformers used in the measurement and sensing linear displacement. The collected measurement is transformed into an analog or digital signal. A motion controller or digital read-out can then decode the position. Motion can be determined by changing the position of the device over time. In industries like machine tools, machine instruments, test equipment, and motion systems, linear position sensors are widely used. In many components of advanced and high-tech cars, these sensors also play a main role.

• Rotary

Improving 3D technology has led to the development of sensors that are able to gauge shapes in real-time in different industries. Instruments that were once heavy, owing to advanced techniques, are now miniaturized. High-speed technological advances also open up a host of new applications throughout various verticals that can be used with these sensors. Sensors for rotating positions can be provided as single, multi-turn or angular position sensors. Contemporary position sensors have communication interfaces or even Ethernet, traditional fieldbus systems. In addition to measuring position, advanced sensors conduct additional tasks such as self-diagnostic features, security functions and, in some instances, rotating velocity readings. A trend to contactless position sensors can generally be spotted.

Position sensors for robotics

The electro-mechanical joint is a fundamental feature of all robots. Although the number of joints needed can differ by type of robot, almost every robot has at least one joint, most of them several or more. A collaborative robot, for instance, usually contains two arms and a waist, with robots of humanoid and biped typically having wrist, elbow, ankle, knee, face, and hip joints. The magnetic rotary position sensors are used in each of these joints, controlled by a processor and used to exactly moving the motor and related arm in software intelligence to provide motor joint position feedback.

Ultrasonic sensors with a restricted range typically varying between 1 cm and a few meters, with a maximum directional cone of about 30 degrees. Their price is relatively insignificant and their precision is great in close ranges, but their accuracy decreases with an increased range and measuring angle. They can also change the temperature, pressures and interfere with the use of ultrasonic sensors tuned to the same frequency with other nearby robots. Magnetic position sensors also play a role in advancing spatial consciousness and sensing technologies for robotic vision. These allow for the precise control of the camera for zoom and image stabilization, which is prevalent in robotic vision applications.

Position sensors for the automotive industry

Components that deliver greater efficiency and greater flexibility beyond standard position sensing technologies are continually used by automotive design engineers. A further need has come from the demand for such sensors for tools that incorporate the best design aspects from standard contact technology and non-communication sensors. Post sensors monitor the position of various parts such as the throttle valve, crankshaft, exhaust valve, and camshaft to ensure that different functions such as fuel injection and recirculation of the exhaust gas are maintained in appropriate timing. The RPM-related transmission or wheels measure speed sensors.

Antilock Braking Systems' (ABS) demand increased and boosted the demand for wheel speed sensors. Furthermore, there are several other sensor applications in a vehicle. Position sensors have the highest demand level among all applications. One of the main variables promoting business development is the development of easy-to-use position sensors. A Position Sensor as a key element is used in the engine management system of modern vehicles. Due to innovations such as inductive position sensors, the wider implementation of position sensors is feasible.

To sum up

The position sensors market is flourishing with developments in technologies and subsequent progression demand coming from the robotics industry. Human beings and robots work together more closely. Sensors help robots make smarter choices and allow them to sense objects, the environment or position of their own. On one occasion, more science fiction than reality was considered robotics. This is changing nowadays. In our daily life, robots are becoming more and more important.