Select the best sensors and switches and experience enhanced performance, reliability, and efficiency in your robotic systems.
Sensors and switches are integral components in robotic applications and have numerous strengths that can add value. To deliver their full potential, it’s important to understand the roles they can perform and their key attributes. This article will explore factors you should consider when selecting the right sensors and switches for your design and will look at the different types of sensors and switches commonly built into robotic applications.
First let us examine several factors to consider when selecting appropriate components.
Digital output
Digital output sensors minimize noise and provide flexibility in obtaining the sensor signals for integration into complex control software. It allows the sensor to be directly plugged into the customer’s circuitry without requiring major design changes and analog conversion. A digital sensor can provide greater value compared to analog sensors for more complex applications.
Size
A large sensor provides a larger contact area but minimizes the potential location categories of gripper it can be used in. A smaller-sized sensor or switch offers flexibility to the designer on location of the component but trades off on contact area for sensors.
Reliability
Long -term reliability translates to lower downtime, fewer recalibration events and better performance over the life of the sensor or switch.
Lifetime
A higher number of cycles ensures lower downtime and longer time until sensor replacement. Repeatable performance over the sensor’s lifecycle is essential to avoid downtime due to recalibration. Switches with an extended operating life can help reduce downtime and cost.
Temperature calibration
A calibrated sensor ensures seamless performance/reduced downtime for recalibration irrespective of temperature condition (local or environmental).
Accuracy
A highly accurate sensor enables better control and more complex functions for the robotic gripper.
Power consumption
For autonomous robots or where power draw is a concern, low power sensors work well. For large loads, power becomes less of a concern. In addition, some sensors are available with sleep mode which reduces the power consumption virtually nothing.
Total costs
Cost of the sensor or switch isn’t the only cost – designing the component in, testing, validation are all factors to be considered. Calibration, internal diagnostics and application support all affect the part’s total cost.
Bearing those considerations in mind, let’s now explore common types of sensors and switches which address diverse requirements in robotic applications.
Position sensors
Position sensors enable robots to work with humans without the risk of injury to the human and/or damage to the robot. Magnetic position sensors respond to the presence or to the interruption of a magnetic field. They can measure linear, angular, or rotary movement of a magnet attached to a moving object and help maintain a high level of accuracy and precision in factory automation.
Honeywell offers a full line of position sensors to meet a variety of operating environments and application needs – all built to deliver robust, long-lasting performance and enhanced product life. Their non-contact design eliminates mechanical failure mechanisms, reducing wear and tear, improving reliability and durability, and minimizing downtime. They are also easy to install, reducing setup costs.
Magnetic Sensing Technologies from Honeywell
Discover the potential of Honeywell magnetic sensor value-added solutions, high-performance devices designed for a variety of applications in Industrial, Commercial & Consumer, Automotive & Transportation, Aerospace & Defense, and Medical fields. Honeywell solutions are flexible and can be tailored to exact specifications – for improved time to market, lower total system costs, and enhanced reliability.
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Board-Mount Pressure Sensors
Board-Mount Pressure Sensors measure the pressure of the gas or fluid in the lines that control, lubricate or provide power to the robot.
Basic ABP2 board-mount pressure sensors provide outstanding performance, high accuracy and value. The extensive portfolio offers a wide choice of ports, package types, outputs and pressure ranges. ABP2 sensors support an extended pressure and temperature range.
Limit Switches
Limit Switches provide position sensing for various moving parts to indicate the end of travel. Widely used on conveyor systems in dozens of ways such as controlling product position and flow, measuring the number or height or weight of products moving along the line. From machining and milling to food processing and packaging, limit switches meet literally hundreds of application needs.
The 14CE/914CE series MICRO SWITCH is a miniature precision limit switch that delivers consistent performance in many demanding environments and can enhance the value of your robotics application.
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Basic Switches
Basic Switches are used in operator control assembles, and for end-of-travel and grid-style guidance to define range. The MICRO SWITCH family offers long-term reliability in a rugged, industry-standard package. The V15 series are electromechanical switches designed to provide outstanding value in a reliable global package and provide highly configurable components.
Thermistors
Thermistors can be integrated into temperature chambers to ensure temperature is maintained. They change resistance with a change in temperature. The thermistor temperature may be changed by the surrounding temperature or by self-heating the thermistor by passing a current through it.
Force sensors
Force sensors, used in the gripper, identify the force applied on any item to ensure safe grasping or gripping.
A small, digital force sensor such as the Micro Force FMA Series mounted on the gripper pads will help improve productivity and reduce downtime by offering long term reliability, temperature compensation and no recalibration required. Honeywell MicroForce FMA is a small-form factor (5mm x 5mm) amplified board-mount force sensor with digital output. The small-form factor, low power consumption and low cost makes it an ideal solution for new designs.
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Honeywell Factory Automation eBook
Honeywell’s broad portfolio of sensors and switches provide multiple benefits to designers, offering engineering precision for critical industrial applications. Whether working with OEM customers for individual application-specific designs or delivering aftermarket support, Honeywell offers the perfect combination of performance, accuracy, and innovation to meet just about any industrial customer need.
Find out more about sensors and switches for industrial robotic applications by reading the Honeywell Factory Automation e-book.