2025 Force Measurement Year in Review
As we move through 2025, the force measurement landscape is transitioning from a component-centric industry to one defined by integrated intelligence and high-velocity data. For testing professionals and engineers, this shift translates into a fundamental change in the signal chain, with the priority shifting from simple peak-load capture to real-time, multi-axis vector analysis and edge-based diagnostic feedback.
Over the years, Interface has continued to meet these application demands by prioritizing miniaturization without sacrificing accuracy in our solutions, as evidenced by the 0.02% non-linearity standards that define our LowProfile Load Cell legacy. We are seeing a significant trend toward the advanced capabilities of our Digital Instrumentation, such as our BX8-AS Data Acquisition Systems, serving as high-speed gateways rather than static indicator displays.
With the industry moving toward modularity, digital outputs are becoming the baseline requirement. In fact, the monitoring and control segment is expected to capture 75% or greater of the test and measurement instrumentation market this year. This allows for plug-and-measure test plans using TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheets), which automate sensor identification and reduce setup-related human error critical factors as lab environments face increasing throughput pressure and continuous swapping of sensors.
Actualized 2025 Trends in Force Measurement
#1 – Integrated Intelligence and Digital Protocols (IO-Link)
A pivotal trend in 2025 is the migration toward smart industrial integration via the sensors, including our IO-Link LowProfile Load Cell. By utilizing an open-standard serial protocol, these sensors allow for bi-directional data exchange directly with a PLC, eliminating the need for complex analog signal conditioning. This sensor connectivity provides real-time health monitoring and automated parameterization, which is essential as the industrial automation market accelerates adoption of digital communications.
Noteworthy: Interface surveyed our customers in 2025 and asked how important it is to integrate new data analysis technologies, such as AI, predictive analytics, and machine learning, into testing processes. A remarkable 76% of responders said it was important.
#2 – Tactile Precision in Robotics and Automation
In the robotics and automation sectors, sensors are evolving into digital control systems. The new product release of the Interface 6A55RI 6-Axis Robot Flange Force-Torque Sensor represents a shift toward high-stiffness, compact solutions that mount directly to the robot arm. These multi-axis sensors allow cobots to perform delicate micro-assembly by measuring forces simultaneously, ensuring safety and precision in environments where human-robot collaboration is standard.
#3 – Advanced Load Cell Test Lab Tools for Validation
The test lab is becoming more autonomous and advanced with sensor tools such as the new SimulatorECX Precision Digital Simulator and the recently released Load Cell Analyzer (LCA). The SimulatorECX serves as a gold-standard reference, mimicking a load cell output with absolute precision to verify DAQ integrity without physical weights. Complementing this, the LCA provides portable, touch-screen diagnostics for field and bench testing, measuring bridge resistance, insulation, and TEDS functionality to ensure every component in the measurement chain is audit-ready and within spec.
The Road to 2030 with Absolute Accuracy in a Digital World
Looking toward the end of the decade, the demand for micro-sized sensors, such as our SuperSC, ULC, and LBM load cells, will continue to grow, driven by robotics, wearables, and electronics. As Interface continues to develop sensor integration solutions and force measurement devices for extreme frontiers, our focus remains on ensuring that, as your data becomes digitally accessible, the physical accuracy remains anchored in absolute standards.
In an era where innovators and product designers are adopting continuous force feedback to create authentic experiences, the underlying hardware must remain beyond reproach. At Interface, we continue to bridge the gap between physical interaction and digital intelligence, ensuring that the next generation of force measurement sensors supports a smarter, safer, and more efficient global infrastructure.
Whether you need an ultra-small load cell, a jumbo million-pounder, a digitally connected or a standard analog instrument, or a complete system, Interface understands your needs. It delivers the right products to meet your requirements. Our application engineers will work with you to determine whether you need a standard, an engineered-to-order sensor, or a completely custom solution. Our team is ready to support you now and in the year ahead.
We look forward to continuing our journey as your trusted provider of force measurement solutions in 2026 and beyond.
