Multi-Axis Force/Torque Sensor Based on Simply-Supported Beam and Optoelectronics

• Main Authors: Yohan Noh, Joao Bimbo, Sina Sareh, Helge Wurdemann, Jan Fraś, Damith Suresh Chathuranga, Hongbin Liu, James Housden, Kaspar Althoefer, Kawal Rhode
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2016-11-01
• Series: Sensors
• Subjects: force/torque sensor; multi-axis force/torque; optoelectronic sensors; light intensity optics
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/16/11/1936

This paper presents a multi-axis force/torque sensor based on simply-supported beam and optoelectronic technology. The sensor’s main advantages are: (1) Low power consumption; (2) low-level noise in comparison with conventional methods of force sensing (e.g., using strain gauges); (3) the ability to be embedded into different mechanical structures; (4) miniaturisation; (5) simple manufacture and customisation to fit a wide-range of robot systems; and (6) low-cost fabrication and assembly of sensor structure. For these reasons, the proposed multi-axis force/torque sensor can be used in a wide range of application areas including medical robotics, manufacturing, and areas involving human–robot interaction. This paper shows the application of our concept of a force/torque sensor to flexible continuum manipulators: A cylindrical MIS (Minimally Invasive Surgery) robot, and includes its design, fabrication, and evaluation tests.