Energy storage is an essential part of the pursuit for the increased use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric power. Electrolyzers allow hydrogen-based storage and avoid the reliance on batteries and their raw materials such as lithium, graphite and cobalt that are frequently sourced from China. When renewable energy sources […]
Force
What are submersible sensors?
The International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC’s) standard IEC 60529 (and International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 20653) identifies the ability of an electronic device (sensor) to withstand water or dust intrusion with IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings. An IP68 product should prevent or withstand water ingression for a depth exceeding 1 meter as specified by the manufacturer […]
How are multi-axis sensors improving product development?
With a multi–axis sensor design, a single load cell sensor can measure 3 axes of force and 3 torque moments simultaneously. These sensors consist of multiple bridges that precisely measure the applied force from one direction with minimal crosstalk from the other axes. Using a multi-axis sensor, forces can be measured simultaneously in three mutually […]
Modular instant and metal contacts for pneumatic connections
Mencom announces an improved version of the MIXO modular pneumatic connection system that uses a new self-extinguishing thermoplastic insert and metal contacts. The new MIXO system not only allows more frequent mating cycles for compressed air distribution systems but also guarantees better mechanical resistance, increased airflow for transmitting dry and compressed air in pneumatic systems. […]
Ultra-thin force/torque sensor targets compact, high-precision apps
ATI Industrial Automation has developed the ultra-thin Mini43LP Force/Torque Sensor, providing high-precision force sensing in a rugged, yet compact transducer. At less than 8 mm tall, the newest member of ATI’s force/torque sensor product family is uniquely suited for smaller automated applications. The low-profile sensor body allows users to optimize their work envelope and preserve […]
How can force sensing be integrated for Industry 4.0 upgrades?
Upgrading facilities to Industry 4.0 standards is one of the most significant trends in the manufacturing industry today. To do this, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are pushing hard to renovate their facilities with connected, automated devices and machines to create greater efficiency and cost savings. Smarter devices can ease the transition. For example, force measurement […]
Thin film haptic actuators create high-fidelity in a localized way
While piezoelectric haptic solutions are found in many applications, they are often large and heavy, thus shaking the entire device. KEMET’s new piezoelectric polymer film haptic actuators are thin (150 µm), flexible and conformable devices made from a proprietary, patent-protected paper-thin material, an electro-active polymer film, that enables piezoelectric effects to mimic the sense of […]
ATI develops space-rate force /torque sensor for Mars 2020 Rover
ATI Industrial Automation worked with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL) to develop a custom Force/Torque Sensor for Perseverance, the latest Mars 2020 Rover project. JPL is the leading US research entity for robotic exploration of our solar system and manages NASA’s Deep Space Network, the hardest-working telecommunications system on the planet. The Mars 2020 mission […]
How do sensors make a smart crane safer?
Watching a crane operator elevate and transport a heavy load over a significant distance to a precise location with an articulated crane is always a fascinating and thought-provoking activity. With today’s concerns about job safety, how is safety handled in this process? Safety begins with the skill of the crane operator but today’s sensors and […]
What types of sensors are used in robots? Part 1 of 2
Fully functional human robots, such as those being developed by Boston Dynamics, need numerous sensors to simulate a variety of human and beyond human capabilities. For the human part, the sensors provide the ability to see, hear, touch and move. In general, industrial robots employ sensors for a variety of activities. Some sensors provide environmental […]
