Force/Torque Sensor widens application range for robotics.

SCHUNK Jun 02, 2003

Press Release Summary:

Model FTC combines mechanical compliance and opto-electric measurement of all 6 degrees of freedom to eliminate steep rise of force at time of contact and enable fast force-regulated positioning. All electronics are incorporated within sensor and 1 kHz clock speeds allow real-time robot control. Communication is provided over protocols such as CAN bus and RS-232 or RS-485. Mechanical interface mounts directly to standard ISO robot flanges.

Original Press Release:

Compliant Force-Torque Sensor Widens Application Range for Robotics

MORRISVILLE, NC - SCHUNK Precision Workholding Solutions has introduced a new compliant force-torque sensor -FTC. The sensor simplifies difficult automated component assembly operations for robotics. The ever-increasing demand of industry to further develop automation systems for more sophisticated tasks requires such sensor advancements. SCHUNK in cooperation with DLR in Germany developed this product to open new areas of application.

Automated processes with, high inaccuracies between the tool and work-piece, moving parts, dynamic measurements of force and torque and protection of the robot and tooling are ideal applications for the FTC sensor. The combination of mechanical compliance and the opto-electric measurement of all 6 degrees of freedom eliminate the steep rise of force at the time of contact making fast force regulated positioning possible. The shift in tool center point due to compliance is directly measurable and can easily be corrected.

All electronics are incorporated with the sensor. 1 kHz clock speeds even allow real time robot control. Communication is provided over standard communication protocols: CAN bus and RS232 or RS485 to ease installation by eliminating the need for external controllers. The mechanical interface mounts directly standard ISO robot flanges. An optional pneumatic lock is available to rigidly support the tooling during high accelerations and speeds.

This FTC sensor from SCHUNK provides a solution to problems that up to now seemed unsolvable.

For more information about the new FTC sensor or the complete line of SCHUNK Automation Products contact SCHUNK INC.; 211 Kitty Hawk Drive, Morrisville, North Carolina 27560; Phone: 919-572-2705, 1-800-772-4865; FAX: 919-572-2818, or at www.schunk-usa.com.