End-effectors, also known as robotic arm end-effectors ( EOAT ), are one of the most important components of modern industrial automation. Flexible gripping technology significantly improves a robot's ability to grasp and place objects in industrial manufacturing, while sensing technology effectively controls forces, assisting robots in accurately placing and assembling items. Furthermore, in advanced axial force / torque sensors and proximity sensors, force sensing capabilities help the device use appropriate forces to locate the precise position of objects.
For manufacturers, utilizing a variety of EOAT tools, such as grippers, sensors, tool changers, and vision controls , is crucial because these tools can be combined in numerous ways, offering significant value for industrial automation. Sensors, in particular, can assist manufacturers in using the appropriate EOAT tool combinations for specific production applications. For instance, tool changers enable rapid replacement of different grippers, rather than using a single EOAT tool for all tasks. During the replacement process, sensors assist the gripper in planning a collision-free switching path.
Sensors support collaborative automation
Most collaborative applications require complex operations to handle objects. This includes accurately mapping the precise location of objects, navigating collision-free paths, controlling forces, and simultaneously managing complex interactions between the robot and its environment. Today, state-of-the-art sensing technologies in proximity sensors and axial force/torque sensors allow grippers to safely and smoothly retrieve tools without causing any collisions or damage. These sensing technologies also help grippers apply the appropriate force to grasp objects, further supporting the operation of collaborative applications.
Like GPS positioning technology , sensors " navigate " modern collaborative applications, enabling automation. In various industrial systems, sensors act as the interface between objects and the production environment, providing feedback based on the results of task execution. The performance of EOAT sensors largely determines everything, from productivity and quality to reliability and safety. OnRobot 's sensors incorporate a combined hardware and software force control package, making them easier to deploy and cost-effective.
Therefore, it is not surprising that manufacturers' demand for innovative sensor designs and technologies is rapidly increasing as industrial applications continue to evolve. According to market research data from Persistence Market Research, global annual revenue for inductive proximity sensors exceeded $ 1.2 million by the end of 2017. [ footnoteRef:1 ] Meanwhile, collaborative robots are creating a huge sensor market; according to Ofweek Robotics, collaborative robots will contribute at least $ 600 million to the sensor industry by 2024. [ footnoteRef:2 ]
Advanced sensors promote the transformation of modern industrial automation
Sensors, capable of detecting variables such as light, temperature, and collision points, are key factors influencing manufacturers' successful execution of automation tasks. Because of their importance, sensors are now widely used in industrial automation in a wide variety of ways, with diverse and multi-purpose applications. For different types of production tasks, manufacturers can choose from devices such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors, torque sensors, position and distance sensors, and light-emitting sensors.
These new and innovative sensing technologies are making previously impossible production applications a reality. For example, OnRobot 's Gecko gecko gripper is a miniature sensor inspired by gecko climbing, which grips flat surfaces more effectively than existing electrostatically driven sensors.
When performing tasks, sensors must operate flawlessly because they determine the robot's performance in different applications. For example, sensors are responsible for determining the correct and incorrect positions of objects or providing information, helping the gripper to perform corresponding operations.
OnRobot 's RG2-FT smart gripper, which debuted at the 2018 International Manufacturing Technology Exhibition ( IMTS ), is equipped with a 6- axis force / torque sensor and a proximity sensor. Even without pre-programmed precise parameters, this gripper can achieve the operator's production goals by controlling itself and the robot, bringing true collaboration, just like the cooperation between operators and colleagues.
Furthermore, OnRobot 's 6- axis force and torque sensor provides accurate force and torque measurements along six axes, enabling precise control for demanding collaborative applications such as assembly, polishing, and grinding. This sensor also features HEX software with unique functionalities that facilitate easier integration.
With axial force / torque sensors, collaborative applications such as surface treatment will become much easier, as these sensors enable robots to perfectly accomplish their goals by working along various complex paths and curves — something that traditional robots cannot do.
OnRobot 's HEX F/T sensors are ideal for applications with high tolerance requirements, especially in the processing of automotive parts. For example, motor pins require precise orientation and high accuracy. Furthermore, applications such as polishing and grinding require robotic tools to apply constant force to the surface of objects. Sensors equipped with force and torque measurement capabilities are particularly well-suited for applications in furniture manufacturing, shipbuilding, and aircraft manufacturing.
How sensors can help businesses achieve business growth
Sensors provide manufacturers with high reliability and flexibility for automated collaborative applications. At the same time, smart sensing technology helps manufacturers integrate various data and transform it into actionable information, thereby optimizing automated tasks in real time.
By adding " tactile " and " sensory " capabilities to sensors , manufacturers can avoid repetitive work due to errors, thereby saving manpower and reducing automation and production costs.
To this end, developers of EOAT tools are constantly striving to improve the technology and further enhance the robot's sensing capabilities. For example, cameras use recognition software to retrieve images and then inform the robot gripper of the optimal path to grasp objects. As innovative technologies such as intelligent recognition mature, sensing technology can also help robots observe their environment, thereby learning and performing actions. These functions will eventually be built into robotic tools, operating with the click of a button, making them extremely convenient.
Advances in sensing technology have helped improve manufacturers' automation levels. However, today's intelligent gripping and sensing technologies merely demonstrate the progress made in mechanization; the future of automation still has a long way to go.
