Humanoid Robot Sensors | FUTEK

What Sensors Do Humanoid Robots Have?

1)  QLA414/QLA424 Nano Sensor – Fingertip, Inline Finger Knuckles

Fingertip and Inline finger knuckles systems on humanoid robots perform tasks that require delicate manipulation or interaction with the environment. FUTEK’s QLA414/424 Nano force sensors feature a thru-hole design, which mounts over a shaft as a monolithic structure, in addition to the front-end mounting provisions that allow it to measure both tension and compression, an industry breakthrough for a sensor as small as 4mm x 5mm and weighs only 0.5g, overcoming the challenges of integration complexity with existing robotic hardware and control systems while maintaining a compact and lightweight design. Additionally, the Nano sensor’s flexure design delivers an unmatched high natural frequency of 98kHz, providing an ultra-fast response (30-40x faster than larger/comparable solutions). Nano Force sensors are also a suitable option for robotic tactile sensing applications.

2) LCM Series Miniature In-Line Load Cell – Tibia Tension/ Compression

The tibial system of a humanoid robot includes sensors placed in the robot’s tibia (the lower leg part) that measure how much force the leg is under when the robot is moving, standing, or interacting with the environment, and from which direction. FUTEK’s LCM series load cells are a great solution to overcome these challenges due to their ability to measure tension and compression loads in endurance, press, and inline applications that require a highly accurate sensor with a small footprint. The seam-welded stainless-steel body provides outstanding strength and corrosion resistance and provides enhanced protection against physical damage in addition to withstanding other harsh environmental conditions. Some models can be ordered with  IP67 rating that can withstand submersion in one meter of water for at least 30 minutes. This feature makes the sensor “Weather rated” or “Outdoor rated" and opens up the application possibilities as it will allow outdoor usage in wet, rainy, or highly humid conditions. 

Some inline force measurement applications may require an LCB200 Rod End Load Cell designed for applications involving Inline Actuators or Hydraulic Jacks with Male/Female Threads. LCB200 biggest benefit is that it features a male/female thread that can extend an actuator with fewer adapters and components needed.

3) 6 DoF F/T  Sensor – Wrists, Connection joint of the torso to the lower body

Sensors in the torso joints of humanoid robots make movements smooth like twisting, bending, and turning, ensuring the robot can handle its own weight and the forces it encounters during movement. Wrist systems on a humanoid robot increase dexterity and operation range for different optimized tasks required. FUTEK’s 6 DoF F/T  Sensors are designed to accurately measure the forces and torques applied in one direction with little or no cross-talk interference from force or moments applied in other directions. This feature is particularly important to achieve the level of precision and dexterity required for different operation tasks executed with arm-torso system.

Benefits of FUTEK 6 DoF Force/Torque Sensor:

• Lightweight and Low-profile;
• Thru-hole to feed cables and air if applicable;
  
• High-resolution embedded electronics making FUTEK 6 DOF modular;
• Flexibility to customer design to meet certain stiffness, weight, overload protection, or geometry requirements;
  
• Customizable for redundancy and fault detection;
  
• Customizable for low power consumption;
• Compensation matrix to minimize cross-talk;
  
• High Zero and temperature stability.

4) LLB Series Low Profile Load Button – Bottom of Foot

The foot system of humanoid robots, equipped with integrated load cells and force sensors, not only supports the robot's weight but also senses external forces exerted on the ground. This force feedback provides critical information on foot posture and external forces, enabling precise measurement of the robot's center of gravity and enhancing its autonomy. By accurately assessing these forces, the robot can maintain balance and adapt to varying conditions, thereby maximizing its operational independence. FUTEK’s LLB Series Low Profile Miniature load button is capable of measuring compression forces with a small footprint. LLB Series features a highly customized strain element designed to allow more strain measurement around the active sensor element which reduces reproducibility errors from off-axis loads, as well as internally embedded zero balance and thermal compensation, allowing for outstanding sensor reliability, accuracy, and performance. It delivers a remarkably high natural frequency which provides a fast response time that benefits accuracy and cycle time reduction in dynamic applications such as the bottom of the foot in humanoid robots.

5) Strain Wave Gear Torque Sensor – Shoulders, Knee, Elbow

Mounted between the robot’s shoulders, knees, and elbows and mounting points, the strain wave gearing torque sensor measures the torque output during movement on each joint. The benefits in humanoids applications are:

• Reduces the inertia of the robot arm and improves dynamic performance through faster acceleration and faster settling time;
• Offers high reduction ratios in a single stage and very low backlash;
• Increases payload capacity and reduces power requirements;
• Light-weight, low-profile, and high-precision capabilities for closed-loop feedback;
• High flexibility in geometry and design.

Learn more about how harmonic gearing torque sensors can help improve performance in robotic arm applications that require high precision and control