Automotive and Vehicle

Interface introduced our load cells to the auto and vehicle industry more than five decades ago. We understand the complexities of testing throughout the entire journey, from component design and prototyping to rigorous safety testing of every piece of equipment. Our quality and precision sensor technologies are essential to manufacturing and production.

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Additional Automotive Solutions

Automotive Overview

Faster, lighter, safer, more responsive automotive vehicle load cell sensors are built at Interface. Nearly every segment of the automotive industry deals with conflicting priorities as they compete to develop new vehicles for their customers. From the focus on extreme performance of racing vehicles to the safety focus of consumer automobiles, Interface can provide force and torque measurement solutions to help you achieve your automotive goals.

We currently supply force and torque sensors directly to automotive OEMs as well as to Tier 1 component vendors and Tier 2 & Tier 3 machine designers, who use Interface force sensors to improve their products and processes.

Interface has been supplying high quality, precision load cells to the automotive industry since 1968, including custom one-off sensors and special application-specific designs. Standard off-the-shelf models such as our 2400 series , our 3200 series Stainless Steel LowProfile™ Load Cells or our WMC Miniature Load Cell family are popular with machine builders and used anywhere a rugged stainless steel load cell is required. Research and development facilities with precision applications favor our 1200 Series LowProfile™ Load Cells with their special moment compensated design. These are used in auto manufacturer assembly lines in a variety of production monitoring and verification applications.Our exceedingly accurate LowProfile™ Load Cells have been used in NASCAR and IndyCar garages for testing individual springs and entire vehicle suspensions.

A moment compensated Interface load cell has as much as 1,000 times less error from side load or moment as our competitor’s products. And many of our sensors feature 10x mechanical overload protection, which helps protect against unintended loads. Our Model BPL Load Cell is a very LowProfile™ load cell for measuring force on gas, brake or clutch pedal.

With a wide range of automotive vehicle load cell sensors, force and torque measurement capabilities and features such as moment compensation, temperature compensation, and mechanical overload protection, Interface can help you design a solution perfect for your automotive application.

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Smart Transportation

Interface supports one of the many automotive and vehicle industry revolutions. One such area of rapid transformation is smart transportation, a rapidly growing field that uses sensors, data, and analytics to improve transportation systems’ efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

In the automotive industry, sensor technologies, including our load cells, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors, are being used to improve many features, including crash avoidance, lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, EV battery management, and autonomous driving. Essentially sensor technologies are making our transportation systems safer and smarter.

In addition to these safety features, sensors are also being used to improve the efficiency and sustainability of vehicles. Some examples of smart transportation technologies that require testing or embedded sensors include:

Intelligent traffic lights use sensors to detect traffic flow and adjust the timing of the lights to improve traffic flow.
Vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology allows vehicles to communicate with each other and share information about their speed, location, and intentions. This can help to prevent collisions and improve traffic flow.
Autonomous vehicles use sensors and software to drive themselves without needing a human driver.

How are Interface products used in smart transportation applications?

Interface load cells measure the weight of cargo or passengers in a vehicle. This information can be used to optimize the weight distribution for better handling and fuel efficiency.
Interface torque transducers measure the amount of torque being applied to the wheels of large transportation vehicles that travel by rail, cable, or road. This information can be used to improve engine and transmission performance.
Interface pillow block load cells provide instant feedback for rail transportation, enabling these fast-moving vehicles to operate safely across hills, plains, mountains, and deserts.
Interface instrumentation solutions gather measurements of different aspects of smart vehicles, such as speed, temperature, and fuel or battery consumption. This information can be used to provide system management operations feedback in real time and help troubleshoot problems.

As this technology continues to develop, we expect to see even more innovative and efficient ways to get around.

Battery Solutions

Advancing Battery Options with Measurement Solutions

The automotive industry is undergoing a monumental transition in manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) as a viable alternative to internal combustion engine-powered cars. Batteries are the core components of EVs, providing the energy necessary to propel vehicles. Acceptance and advancements of EV’s is highly dependent on the battery. It’s well understood that the mass adoption of EVs has significant implications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and fossil fuel dependency. Consumers are making assessments on vehicles based on battery lifespan, charging options and mileage.

The increase in battery demand is connected to availability of critical materials. Reducing the need for critical materials will also be important for supply chain sustainability, resilience and security. Accelerating advancements in battery capabilities, recycling and materials will drive faster adoption of EVs. The current market shift towards EVs has made the lithium-ion battery the dominant battery type today, surpassing all other types. EV manufacturers prefer partnering with manufacturers (OEMs) of newer model Li-ion batteries due to their lighter weight and higher energy density.

Load Cells and Battery Advancements

Force measurement testing plays a crucial role in many aspects of lithium-ion battery testing, covering multiple stages in research, development, and manufacturing processes. Materials like lithium-sulfur, silicon anodes, and graphene-based electrodes hold great promise. As battery technology continues to evolve, we can expect transformative changes that will redefine how we travel, transport goods, and shape our world. As an industry solution provider, Interface offers various solutions tailored to automotive component and battery manufacturers:

Battery Capacity Testing: Load cells assess the capacity and energy density of lithium-ion batteries by subjecting them to various load profiles and measuring corresponding electrical outputs. This enables the characterization of a battery’s energy storage capabilities and performance over time, crucial for achieving greater range in electric vehicles.

Battery Safety Testing: Given the potential for thermal runaway and safety hazards in lithium-ion batteries, load cells, in combination with temperature and pressure sensors, can monitor critical parameters during battery operation. Detecting abnormal mechanical forces or stresses can indicate impending failure, prompting preventive measures or shutdown protocols.

Battery Environmental Testing: Load cells and other sensor technologies simulate real-world conditions and environmental factors that batteries may encounter throughout their lifespan. This includes vibration testing, temperature cycling, humidity exposure, and acceleration force simulation. Manufacturers and researchers can assess the battery’s performance and reliability under various environmental conditions.

Battery Manufacturing Quality Control: Load cells play a vital role in battery manufacturing processes by ensuring consistent quality and performance. They measure and analyze forces and stresses experienced during assembly, welding, or compression processes, identifying manufacturing defects, inconsistencies, or deviations from design specifications.

Battery R&D, testing and production rely on high-accuracy measurement solutions. As the world manufacturer’s, policy makers and organizations fund signification growth in battery manufacturing and incentives for EV purchases, batteries are expanding their reach into other industries including consumer products, energy and IoT. The possibilities are expansive and have dramatic impact on sustainability and humanity.

Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)

Technology is evolving to the point where robots and computers control most aspects of travel and mobility. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are self-driving cars or vehicles that drive without guidance from a driver. These advanced driving systems are designed to help passengers avoid hazardous roads, creating safe driving experiences without possible human error.

Tailored Solutions for AV Development

We have been a long-time partner of the automotive industry and understand the unique test and measurement challenges of vehicle development, including the innovation in AVs.

Interface goes beyond generic testing tools used in Level 1 through 5 SAE classifications for automation. Accurate force and torque measurement solutions ensure the quality and performance of an AV. Confidence equals adoption. Interface fosters confidence in development with accurate data from our precision, quality sensor technologies, and devices.

We offer a range of trusted measurement solutions, from high-precision miniature load cells for intricate suspension load testing to wireless torque transducers for high-speed data collection. Interface has the support sensors to ensure AVs are meticulously evaluated, proven, and ready to hit the road – safely.

AV Applications for Interface Measurement Solutions:

Sensor Calibration and Accuracy Testing
Software Validation and Simulation
Functional Safety Testing
Real-World Driving Tests Load
Suspension Load Testing
Brake Performance Testing
Steering Torque Testing
Tire Load and Pressure Testing
Powertrain Efficiency Testing
Crash Testing
Torque Measurement in Autonomous Actuators

Interface isn’t just a supplier. We are a trusted partner for OEMs, machine builders, test engineers, and labs focused on bringing next-generation AVs to life. Our measurement devices are instrumental across the entire AV development cycle from R&D to parts and component testing.

We know that AV manufacturers must deliver safe, efficient, and reliable vehicles, paving the way for a future of autonomous transportation. Interface is a partner ready to support this growing market.

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Auto Racing

Racing teams are always striving for perfection. They meticulously test, tune, and refine every component in a race car to achieve the best performance. Precision measurement is vital in this process, providing the accurate data needed to make informed decisions about everything from tire performance to engine tuning.

As race car teams strive to gain a competitive edge, measured in seconds, Interface continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate force measurement solutions are used to test the limits of every component used in motorsports. Our products provide the competitive advantage that teams need, pushing performance demands for all types of racing machines, for professional and amateur level racing. Check out how we helped the Gopher Motorsport Racing Team.

What is widely acknowledged in the racing community is that engineers and manufacturers of equipment and parts used in these high-performance vehicles rely on Interface for precision testing solutions. Our products, known for their unparalleled precision, have been proven in the racing arena.

Types of Racing Vehicle Tests Using Load Cells, Torque Transducers and Multi-Axis Sensors

Aerodynamic Load Testing
Suspension Load and Travel Analysis
Brake Performance Testing
Engine Dynamometer Testing
Tire Load and Contact Patch Analysis
Powertrain Efficiency and Performance Testing
Bearing Load and Friction Analysis
Gearbox Efficiency Testing
Impact and Crash Testing
Structural Integrity and Fatigue Testing
Driver Input and Control Force Analysis
Vehicle Dynamics and Handling Analysis
Wear and Durability Testing

These measurement systems provide critical data for racing teams to design and develop high-performance vehicles that are competitive, safe, and reliable.

Types of Interface Sensors Used in Auto Racing:

Interface’s load cells and torque transducers are not just used, but extensively utilized in racing vehicle design, testing, and performance tracking. The data acquired through these sensors, which have been proven effective, helps performance auto engineers optimize vehicle components, ensuring they perform at their best under the intense conditions of a race.

We like to ensure our products are top-class and help our customers win! Experience affirms the positive performance effects of force measurement in auto racing. In the highly competitive world of automotive racing, every millisecond counts.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

In today’s automotive marketplace, electric vehicles (EVs) are reaching a point where their technology and capabilities are fully realized and poised for a mass-scale breakthrough. The global electric vehicle sector is expected to reach 40 million units sold by 2030. By this time, EVs are projected to capture between 40% and over 60% of the new global light-vehicle market. This explosive growth is driven by economics, technology, and policy incentives.

Interface has been a long-time partner of the automotive industry, proactively investing in the development of sensor solutions to support the superior testing requirements of all components used in EVs. Accurate force and torque measurement solutions ensure the quality and performance of these vehicles. Testing and accuracy in measurement are critical for every part to ensure safety, reliability, durability, and overall vehicle performance.

Interface Solutions for EV Testing and Performance Monitoring

The AxialTQ Wireless Rotary Torque Transducer System is engineered for high-speed testing of EV motors and drivetrains. The system boasts a crash-proof design, industry-leading accuracy, and simultaneous analog/digital outputs, enabling real-time control. The AxialTQ™ Wireless Rotary Torque Transducer System with In-Line Magnetic Encoder Kit and Single or Double Flex Couplings is a complete solution ideal for EV applications.

EV Applications for Interface Measurement Solutions:

Electric Motor & Dynamometer Testing (Torque, RPM, Efficiency)

Electric Vehicle Battery Monitoring
Electric Vehicle Structural Battery Testing
Battery Cell, Module, and Pack Compression Testing
E-Axle and Drivetrain Efficiency Testing
Regenerative Braking Force Validation
Steering Torque and Effort Measurement
Component End-of-Line (EOL) Verification

Testing, measurement, and sensor technology are critical to optimizing parts and components in the electric vehicle market. The broader EV sensor market is experiencing a surge in demand for sensors that monitor temperature, current, pressure, and position—all crucial for the Battery Management System (BMS) and thermal control. Force and torque sensors provide the necessary mechanical validation layer, measuring rotational power efficiency and structural component durability.

Additional Interface products used in EV testing include:

The industry trend is toward highly automated, data-intensive testing, incorporating advanced analytics and high-precision DAQ to handle the multi-physics testing of the modern e-powertrain. Interface is proud to be a key supplier of instrumentation that is contributing to the continued growth of this vital technology.

Brake Testing

Safety remains the top priority in the automotive industry. The braking system, as the most vital safety component, must function reliably in all conditions. Brake testing is essential to ensure accuracy across all vehicle types, from passenger cars to heavy trucks, especially with the rise of EVs and autonomous technologies. The demand for brake testing using high-precision sensor technologies is rapidly growing.

Our load cell technologies, torque transducers, wireless systems, and instrumentation provide the critical, objective data needed to verify that brake systems meet the strict performance standards for passenger vehicles, heavy commercial trucks, racing applications, and even specialized vehicle simulators.

Types of Brake Testing Using Force Measurement Solutions

Component-Level Analysis
Brake-By-Wire R&D and System Calibration
Brake Dynamometer Performance Testing
Heavy Truck Air Brake System Testing
Brake Caliper Testing and Clamping Force Validation
Brake Calibration
Simulation Braking Systems
Material and Fatigue Testing
Racing Car Brake Testing
Tractor and Heavy-Duty Equipment Brake Evaluations

Interface Products Used in Brake Testing

Interface is a trusted supplier of high-accuracy force measurement solutions used across the entire spectrum of brake testing, from initial R&D simulators to final production sign-off. Interface load cells are engineered for the harsh, high-cycle testing environments required by brake manufacturers and test labs globally.

Stringent global safety regulations, the expansion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and the industry-wide shift to Brake-by-Wire and regenerative braking in electric vehicles (EVs) are also fueling the use of precision load cells in brake testing. Interface’s load cells, as strain-gage-based force transducers, offer the gold standard for accuracy and reliability, integrating seamlessly with modern data acquisition (DAQ) and wireless systems used in road and laboratory testing.

We are committed to supplying quality force and torque measurement systems that validate the safety and reliability of every vehicle’s most critical system.

Vehicle Safety

Safety ranks as a top priority in the automotive industry. Testing is fundamental to safety, whether for single-passenger vehicles or multi-passenger transport. Crash testing and safety system validation are crucial for saving lives and improving vehicle designs across all types of moving platforms, from autonomous shuttles to heavy commercial trucks.

Interface’s force measurement products supplies data for compliance, impact testing, material testing, and component-level safety analysis. Ongoing updates to global standards for crashworthiness, side-impact protection, and pedestrian safety increase the need for comprehensive testing.

The Modern Shift in Safety Testing

Mandatory international regulations and rapid advancements in simulation technologies characterize the automotive safety and crash testing sector. This growth mirrors the industry’s shift toward virtual validation to reduce physical testing costs and accelerate the development of complex systems.

The rise of EVs and Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) demands specialized safety tests to verify battery-pack integrity, high-voltage system isolation, and new structural designs for crash testing. Interface offers highly accurate, durable force and torque sensors that are essential for measuring and quantifying impact energy and forces that influence injury potential in crashes or safety system failures across all vehicle types.

Vehicle Safety Testing Applications for Interface Measurement Solutions

Crash walls and full-scale impact testing
Pre-crash system validation
Braking force analysis
Restraint seat belt and airbag testing
Crash dummies (ATDs)
Component-level analysis of vehicle interiors and exteriors
Material testing
Subsystem structural safety tests
Structural EV battery tests
Autonomous vehicle safety system validation and monitoring
Simulators and test rigs
Drop and collapse tests

Interface Products Used in Vehicle Safety Testing

Interface is dedicated to delivering dependable, precise measurement solutions that provide the foundational data that engineers depend on to design safer vehicles.

Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) include long-haul big rigs, Class 7–8 semi-trucks, severe-duty construction vehicles, and global freight transport machinery. In design and testing, HDV reliability requires precise tracking of force, load, and torque under extreme stress. Faulty components can cause severe structural failures or pose highway safety hazards, so reliable measurements are vital for testing structures and monitoring chassis fatigue, towing forces, and axle loads.

Safe cargo transport relies on ongoing mechanical data feedback to safeguard chassis and drivetrains from extreme environmental and road forces. As global logistics grow and incorporate high-capacity, alternative-fuel transport options, precise measurement sensors at key mechanical joints are increasingly essential. Interface provides high-capacity load cells, torque transducers, load pins, tension load links, and mobile instrumentation to test and monitor forces such as pulling, lifting, and holding, all without modifying the vehicle’s structural profile.

Interface load cells and torque transducers provide stable, industrial-grade data needed to document heavy-duty performance, certifying that transport systems can handle immense structural loads, meet international mandates, and prevent catastrophic component fatigue over millions of long-haul operating miles.

Heavy-Duty Vehicle Sensor Applications

Heavy Vehicle Brake Pedal, Caliper, and Actuation Force Profiling
Interior Cabin Component, Seating, and Console Wear and Tear Testing
Fleet Transportation Weighing and Scale Calibration
Tractor-Trailer Fifth-Wheel Coupling and Drawbar Pull Verification
Heavy-Duty Truck Chassis Frame Twist and Torsional Fatigue Mapping
Multi-Axle Over-the-Road Gross Weight Distribution Analysis
Fleet Trailer Suspension and Leaf Spring Compression Tests
Big Rig Drivetrain Transmission and Driveshaft Rotary Torque Testing
Electric and Diesel Powertrain Engine Mount Structural Loading
Cargo Tie-Down and Heavy Lift Flatbed Strap Tension Monitoring
Power Take-Off Unit Fluid Pump Shaft Torque Verification
Severe-Duty Dump Truck Bed Lift Hydraulic Cylinder Force Profiling
Commercial Fleet Steering Linkage and Tie-Rod Structural Validation

Interface Products Used in Heavy-Duty Vehicles

High-Capacity and Fatigue-Rated LowProfile Load Cells
Tension Links, Load Pins and Load Shackles
Multi-Axis Sensors
Torque Transducers
Hermetically Sealed and Stainless Steel Load Cells
Miniature Load Cells
Instrumentation
Data Acquisition (DAQ) Systems
Wireless Telemetry System (WTS) Transmitters and Receivers
Weighing and Lifting Systems
Complete Systems
Custom Solutions

Interface load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems are used by engineers and structural testing teams to accurately track structural loading, force, weight, and torque across all types of trucks, trailers, drivetrains, and cargo systems. Our hardware enables vehicle designers to confidently validate structural safety, optimize structural longevity, and maintain seamless fleet uptime across the global transportation sector.

Commercial Fleets

Commercial fleets encompass light- to medium-duty transport systems, including local delivery vans, urban box trucks, municipal service fleets, and last-mile logistics vehicles. For fleet management and vehicle engineers, ensuring the safety and efficiency of these lighter assets requires precise tracking of force and weight under daily, repetitive stop-and-go conditions. Faulty components or uneven loading can cause premature tire wear, braking inefficiencies, or suspension failure, making continuous mechanical data vital for optimizing vehicle performance.

The commercial fleet testing environment focuses on high-volume operational efficiency and component longevity, where unexpected maintenance can disrupt tight delivery networks. Reliable force, torque, and weight measurements serve as the performance baseline for light- to medium-duty transport, translating rapid braking cycles and varying payload weights into clear engineering data.

Interface load cells and miniature sensors provide accurate measurement and weighing, supporting the stability needed to validate commercial fleet design. This ensures vehicles can handle frequent urban road impacts, meet fuel economy or electric range targets, and prevent unexpected wear during high-frequency delivery cycles.

Commercial Fleet Sensor Applications

Delivery Van Rear Step and Liftgate Load Profiling
E-Mobility Fleet Battery Pack Enclosure Structural Vibration Testing
Urban Box Truck Brake Pedal Force and Caliper Actuation Profiling
Last-Mile Delivery Vehicle Automated Door Closing Force Validation
Utility Fleet Bucket Truck Boom Mechanism Structural Strain Tracking
Commercial Van Cabin Ergonomics
Vehicle Interior Testing for Seats, Interfaces and Belts
Delivery Fleet Electronic Throttle and Accelerator Linkage Testing
Urban Transit Vehicle Roof-Mounted Cargo Rack Weight Evaluation
Light-Duty Fleet Drive-by-Wire Steering System Torque Analysis
Modular Cargo Pod Interlocking Mechanism Structural Integrity Testing
Courier Fleet Interior Shelving Validation
Automated Delivery Rover Wheel Hub Multi-Axis Force Analysis

Overcoming Urban Fleet and E-Mobility Testing Challenges

The main challenge in commercial fleet testing is maintaining measurement stability during diverse high-frequency operations with curb impacts, vibrations, and weather variations. Accurate force capture demands low-latency, compact signal conditioning to record load shifts, vibrations, and braking without data gaps. As lighter assets adopt electric architectures, sensors must operate near high-voltage lines without interference. Fleet testing varies from chassis dyno to street logging, requiring compact, low-power sensors that connect seamlessly to mobile tools, isolating forces and providing raw data.

Interface Products Used in Commercial Fleets

Interface provides precision load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems for engineers and validation teams to accurately track structural loading, force, weight, and torque across all types of delivery vans, utility trucks, electric drivetrains, and automated cargo systems. Our hardware enables fleet designers to confidently validate structural safety, maximize energy efficiency, and maintain high operational uptime across the commercial transport sector.

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