Robots increase efficiency and quality in manufacturing and save costs. However, they can only ensure production without scrap if all production steps and their monitoring function absolutely reliably. Accordingly, the requirements for the individual components are correspondingly high. With its new Robot PLUS portfolio, SCHUNK provides the basis for this. It covers the area between the robot flange and end effector and includes tool changers, compensation units, and force-torque sensors.
Part of the portfolio is the 6-axis force-torque sensor FTS. Its strength: Where robots reach their limits due to their lack of sense of touch, it gives them the necessary finesse to solve even difficult tasks. This sensor embodies the concentrated know-how of SCHUNK development. It measures with the highest accuracy and resolution, thereby enabling precise monitoring of processes in various applications.
Versatile in use - from battery cells to rehabilitation
Finesse is required when joining battery cells for electric vehicles. When placing them in the battery tray, the robot positions the battery modules on adhesive strips. The FTS ensures that the robot glues each battery with the same pressing force. This creates the basis for functional and safe batteries of consistent quality.
In the automated loading of circuit boards, the FTS plays a central role in the electronics sector. With its high sensitivity, it ensures that the robot reliably places the small and fragile components in the designated holes with the correct pressing force, without damaging them.
In medical technology, the FTS is used directly on patients: It is integrated into therapy robots for the mobilization of patients. With the help of the 6-axis force-torque sensor, the robot enables movements of individual or multiple joints in passive, actively supportive, or active forms, combined with goals such as strength, range of motion, or coordination. The sensor evaluates various parameters and can thus recognize the patient's development.
Intelligent sensor technology
For maximum precision, the FTS is equipped with strain gauges (DMS). These capture the mechanical deformation of the sensor body and convert it into highly precise signals in all six degrees of freedom (Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, Mz). In combination with low-noise signal processing, the foil strain gauges ensure high resolution and signal quality. Its high rigidity makes the robust base body durable and ensures high measurement accuracy even in dynamic applications.
The force-torque sensor meets protection class IP67 and can be used even in demanding environments. Integrated LEDs for power, communication, and sensor status facilitate status monitoring.
Easy assembly
The FTS from SCHUNK is easy to use: standardized ISO mounting patterns on the tool side and adapter plates on the robot side allow users quick and uncomplicated assembly. Through the interface box with the interfaces EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, and PROFINET, the sensor can be easily and seamlessly connected to existing network topologies. A user-friendly interface simplifies commissioning and creates synergies with other SCHUNK products.
With nine sizes and measurement ranges (Fxy: 125-16000N, Fz: 300-32000 N, Mxyz: 4.5-2800 Nm), the force-torque sensor FTS offers the suitable solution for various measurement requirements in a wide range of applications.
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