Futek has announced its TTF series of reaction torque sensors, which are combined with a servo motor for smooth and steady motion in robotic armatures where complex repetitive tasks are required.
Robot arms are often designed to be trainable or operate as a team as cooperative robots (cobot/co-robot). Driving these arms in their joints are servo or stepper motors. In addition to monitoring shaft position, these arms need to monitor torque output for smooth, steady motion. By combining these motors with a reaction torque sensor, control loops can be developed for smooth, autonomous operation.
As seen in the diagram below, a TTF series reaction torque sensor is mounted between the robot arm servo motor and its mounting points. The sensor then measures the torque output during arm movement, which is amplified by the IAA Series or IDA100 amplifier.
The amplified signal is then sent to the PLC or robotic arm controller, providing precision feedback and closing the control loop. Additionally, with the IDA100, amplified output from the sensor can be monitored and analogue amplifier settings can be adjusted digitally with Futek’s Sensit software.