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How to Give Robotic Grinding and Polishing Processes a Sense of Touch

Ideal for robotic assembly, grinding, and polishing operations, the Axia80 F/T sensor from ATI obtains feedback from force and torque loads as a process is occurring to make robotic and automated processes more acute and responsive.

Posted: January 30, 2019

Mounted between the robot flange and end-of-arm tooling, the Axia80 six-axis force/torque sensor from ATI measures all six components of force and torque using silicon strain gauges that reduce noise, enable high stiffness, and provide overload protection 5X to 20X over the sensing range to enhance a robot’s ability to perform specialized tasks that need force and torque control in a changing workspace, such as following the contours of a part with a constant force.

Force sensing technology breaks open scores of new possible applications for robotics and automation, especially where high precision is required. The Axia80 six-axis force/torque (F/T) sensor from ATI Industrial Automation, Inc. (Apex, NC) delivers the highest accuracy, precision, and reliability in a compact and durable package. This F/T sensor is comprised of a rugged transducer body that is mounted between the robot flange and end-of-arm tooling to obtain feedback from force and torque loads as a process is occurring, giving users a better vantage point. F/T sensors make robotic and automated processes more acute and responsive, as if they have a sense of touch: For example, in an assembly process the feedback from the F/T sensor provides insight into the process to guarantee the correct orientation and insertion of the connector. Or, in a part-finishing application the F/T sensor enables programmers to monitor and control the amount of pressure applied to the parts.

The Axia80 measures all six components of force and torque. The monolithic instrumented transducer features silicon strain gauges that reduce noise, enable high stiffness, and provide overload protection 5X to 20X over the sensing range. All of the electronics are built into the transducer body to keep the unit’s cost down and footprint smaller without sacrificing accuracy, resolution, or robustness. This F/T sensor communicates through EtherCAT or Ethernet and is ideal for robotic assembly, grinding, and polishing applications. The Axia80 can be used to enhance a robot’s ability to perform specialized tasks, particularly in applications that need force and torque control in a changing workspace, such as following the contours of a workpiece with a constant force. If the curvature of the workpiece is altered, the F/T sensor enables the robot to quickly react to the changing environment.

ATI Industrial Automation, Inc., 1031 Goodworth Drive, Apex, NC 27539, 919-772-0115, Fax: 919-772-8259, www.ati-ia.com.