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New Interface Multi-Axis Sensor Selection Guide

Interface multi-axis sensors have multiple benefits for test and measurement applications. Beyond providing more data, they consolidate measurement signals and conserve test space.

Interface multi-axis sensors are like other force and torque sensors with strain gage bridges bonded to machined flexures. Each bridge typically defines a measurement axis. Interface offers multiple configurations for 2, 3, or 6-axis options: axial and torque, axial and shear, axial and moment, and all six degrees.

Most force and torque sensors are bidirectional, tension, and compression. Many sensors can be dual or triple-bridge for dedicated or redundant signals. These types of load cells output the same signal and direction of measurement.

Uniquely, multi-axis sensors have additional bridges to provide output signals for varying axes or types of mechanical loading. Interface multi-axis sensors are designed to provide a complete picture of the test article by quantifying reaction loads through the test article on the “non-measure” side.

These specialized load cells are used in various applications across industries, including aerospace, robotics, automotive, and medical device research. These sensors are specifically designed for applications requiring measuring moment and axial loads to determine the center of gravity or misalignment. They are used for tests requiring simultaneous force and torque monitoring, such as bearing test and material test machines, rheometry test machines for rubber testing, or continuous stress testing of equipment like pumps and master key systems. The multi-axis sensor offers better fatigue testing through setup and load verification.

Below is a demonstration using Interface’s 6-Axis Sensor with our BX8 to measure the precise movements of a robotic hand.

For additional information on this type of application, check out Manufacturing: 6-Axis Force Plate Robotic Arm and Using Multi-Axis Sensors to Bring Robotics to Life.

Selecting a Multi-Axis Sensor

To find the suitable multi-axis sensor for your unique requirements, Interface’s latest resource guide is a versatile reference to compare the sensor types, features, capabilities, and options. The Interface Multi-Axis Sensor Selection Guide lets you quickly evaluate the various sensor types based on whether you need a 2-axis, 3-axis, or 6-axis. Reviewing the products based on features and capabilities is easy, including tension and compression, axial torsion, force and torque, side and radial force, compact, temperature compensated, moment compensated, flange mount, or a center through hole.

This new resourceful tool also helps in reviewing various options, including connector protection, connector options, standardized output, TEDS, CANbus, internal shunt cal, custom calibration, multiple bridges, special threads, dual-diaphragm, special temperature range, cable length, and more.

How the Multi-Axis Selection Guide Works

GO TO: Interface Multi-Axis Sensor Selection Guide

STEP ONE: Select the Number Of Axis You Want to Measure

STEP TWO: Identify Multi-Axis Sensor Features And Capabilities

  • Axial Torsion
  • Center Through Hole
  • Compact
  • Flange Mount
  • Force and Torque
  • High Capacity
  • Moment Compensated
  • Side and Radial Force
  • Temperature Compensated
  • Tension and Compression

STEP THREE: Choose the Multi-Axis Sensor Options

  • Active output ±10V
  • Active output ±5V
  • Add a connector to a cable
  • Cable length
  • CANbus
  • Connector options
  • Connector protection
  • Custom calibration
  • Dual diaphragm
  • Integrated speed and angle measurements option
  • Internal Shunt Cal
  • Mating cable assembly
  • Multiple bridges
  • Special temperature range
  • Special threads
  • Special versions on request
  • Speed up to 3000 rpm
  • Standardized output
  • TEDS

Interface a range of resources related to our multi-axis sensors.  Here is a recent webinar that helps give you a background on these sensors and applications and technical tips.

TIP: Find all of the Interface product guides here.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Multi-Axis Sensors Product Brochure

Enhancing Structural Testing with Multi-Axis Load Cells

A Promising Future in Measurement and Analysis Using Multi-Axis Sensors

Mounting Tips for Multi-Axis Sensors

Enhancing Friction Testing with Multi-Axis Sensors

Interface Multi-Axis Sensor Market Research

Dimensions of Multi-Axis Sensors – An Interface-Hosted Forum

Multi-Axis Sensors 101

Better Data and Performance with Interface Multi-Axis Sensors

Brochure: BX8 and 6-Axis

Force Measurement Tips Related to Data Acquisition Systems

A data acquisition (DAQ) system consists of hardware and software components designed to collect, process, and analyze data from various sources and convert it into digital format for further analysis and storage. Based on the growing requirements to gather more data faster, Interface continues to add to our line of data acquisition systems to use with our load cells, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors. These systems are designed for comprehensive force and torque measurement data collection and analysis.

Is more data, with easy integration and high accuracy, your objective? Working with our team of application engineers, we can assist you in pairing the best data acquisition system with your specific transducers. Considering the options, our team of experts offers these five essential bits of advice.

Data Acquisition Systems Tips for Test & Measurement

Select the Right Data Acquisition System

Choosing a data acquisition system compatible with your specific force measurement devices and application requirements is crucial. Consider factors such as sensor type, measurement range, accuracy, resolution, sampling rate (considering your over-sampling requirements), and connectivity options. In addition, the size and form factors can be critical to an application.

Proper Sensor Installation and Calibration

Proper sensor installation and calibration are critical for accurate force measurements. Follow the guidelines for sensor installation, including correct mounting, alignment, and wiring. Ensure that the load cell is calibrated according to established procedures and standards and that the calibration is regularly verified to maintain measurement accuracy. Proper sensor installation and calibration help eliminate potential sources of measurement errors.

Signal Conditioning and Filtering

Signal conditioning and filtering techniques are essential for optimizing the quality of the acquired force data. Signal conditioning involves amplification, offsets (zeroing), filtering, and linearization of the sensor output signal. Filtering techniques, such as anti-aliasing filters, IIR, or FIR, can help reduce noise and unwanted signals, ensuring accurate and reliable force measurements.

Data Validation and Analysis

Implement data validation techniques, such as range checking, outlier detection, and data integrity checks, to identify and correct potential data errors or anomalies. Analyze the acquired data using appropriate statistical and data analysis techniques to extract meaningful insights and make informed decisions based on the force measurement data. Be sure to select a force measurement device that is highly accurate and of superior quality.

System Maintenance and Calibration

Regular system maintenance, including sensor calibration and system validation, is crucial for reliable and accurate force measurements. Follow Interface’s recommendations for system maintenance, including sensor cleaning, inspection, and calibration intervals. Regular calibration and validation of the data acquisition system and force measurement devices help ensure the system remains accurate and reliable.

For additional information about Interface data acquisition solutions, watch the Unlocking the Power of DAQ webinar.

Popular Interface Data Acquisition Instruments

BX8 Data Acquisition Series

BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System with Industrial Enclosure

BX8-HD15 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System for Discreet Sensors with Lab Enclosure

BX8-HD44 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System for Multi-Axis Sensors with Lab Enclosure

Features & Benefits

  • 8-Channel synchronized sampling + TWO encoder/pulse channels
  • Strain gage, mV/V, ±10VDC, and PT1000 temperature inputs
  • Internal calculation of axis load values for 6-axis sensors
  • Active scaling of analog outputs according to internal calculations
  • ±5V, ±10V, 4-20mA, and 0-20 mA outputs
  • 48K samples/sec/channel, 24-bit internal resolution
  • USB connection to PC, Includes graphing and logging software
  • Excitation sense
  • Strain gage Full, 1/2, and 1/4 bridge, including bridge completion
  • TEDS compatible, ZERO button for 8-channel simultaneous tare, 16 digital I/O
  • Galvanic isolation: Analog input, analog output, digital I/O, USB
  • EtherCAT and CANbus/CANopen options
  • Enclosure Options

BSC4 Digital DAQ Model

BSC4D Multi-Channel Digital PC Interface and Data Acquisition Instrument

Features & Benefits

  • USB outputs
  • Four independent channels
  • For use with model 3AXX series 3-axis load cells
  • It can be used with up to any four standard load cells (with mV/V output)
  • mV/V, +/-5V, +/-10V, PT1000
  • Strain gage quarter/half and full bridges
  • 120, 350 & 1000 Ohm bridge completion
  • Limit frequency 450 Hz
  • Eight digital inputs/outputs

Use Cases for Data Acquisition Systems in Test & Measurement

Robotic Surgery Force Feedback using DAQ System

A biomechanical medical company wants to test its robotic arm’s force, torque, and tactile feedback for invasive surgery. The robotic arm mirrors the surgeon’s movements during surgery, and all haptic force feedback must be measured to ensure safety during invasive surgery. Several of Interface’s force and torque measurement products have been used on this robotic arm, including the ConvexBT Load Button Load Cell, SMTM Micro S-Type Load Cell, and the MRTP Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer. Force results are collected when connected to the BX8 8-Channel Data Acquisition and Amplifier and viewed when attached to the laptop.

Material Tensile Testing using Data Acquisition Instrumentation

A customer wants to conduct a tensile force test on different samples and materials until failure. Materials include plastic, steel, or woven fabric. They want to measure tensile strength, yield strength, and yield stress. Interface’s 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Load Cell is installed into the customer’s test frame. The tensile test is conducted, and force results captured by the load cell and extensometer are synced. These results can be displayed on a PC with supplied software.

Planetary Sample Collecting

As space exploration continues to grow and evolve, more robotic systems are created to collect samples of objects and materials on planetary surfaces. Robotic arms with sampling tools must be tested for scooping, drilling, and collecting samples. Interface’s Model 6A40 6-Axis Load Cell can be installed between the flange and the sample collecting tool. When connected to the BX8-HD44 Data Acquisition, the customer can receive force and torque measurements when connected to their control system using BlueDAQ software. Interface’s 6A40-6 Axis Load Cell could measure all forces and torques (Fx, Fʏ, Fz, Mx, Mʏ, Mz.) The BXB-HD44 Data Acquisition could log, display, and graph measurements while sending scaled analog output signals for these axes to the customer’s robot control system.

Learn more about your DAQ system options using Interface’s Data AQ Packs Guide.

Interface Supports Wind Tunnel Testing

In the development of an airborne vehicle, like a plane or helicopter, wind tunnel systems are used to gather data across a variety of tests related to the aerodynamics of the vehicle’s design. Whether an object is stationary or mobile, wind tunnels provide insight into the effects of air as it moves over or around the test model. Interface is a supplier of measurement solutions used for aircraft and wind tunnel testing.

Wind tunnels are chambers that test small scale model versions of full systems, or in some cases, parts and components, depending on the size and capabilities of the wind tunnel. They work by allowing the engineers to control airflow within the tunnel and simulate the types of wind force that airplanes and other aircraft will experience in flight. Wind tunnels are also used for testing automobiles, bicycles, drones and space vehicles.

By taking careful measurements of the forces on the model, the engineer can predict the forces on the full-scale aircraft. And by using special diagnostic techniques, the engineer can better understand and improve the performance of the aircraft.

The process for measuring the force and how it reacts to this force works by mounting the model in the wind tunnel on a force balance or test stand. The output is a signal that is related to the forces and moments on the model. Balances can be used to measure both the lift and drag forces. The balance must be calibrated against a known value of the force before, and sometimes during, the test.

Interface’s strain gage load cells are commonly used in wind tunnel testing due to their quality, accuracy and reliability. The instrumentation requirements often depend on the application and type of test. The range of options for both load cells and instrumentation vary based on scale, use, cycle counts, and data requirements.

Instrumentation used in wind tunnel testing can be as simple as our 9325 Portable Sensor Display to a multi-channel data acquisition system. Interface analog, digital and wireless instrumentation solutions provide a range of possibilities. As is the case, wind tunnel testing is typically very sensitive. It is important to calibrate the instrumentation before each test to measurement accuracy.

Types of Wind Tunnel Tests Using Force Measurement Solutions

  • Lift and drag: Load cells are used to measure the two most significant forces that impact aircraft design. Lift is the force that acts perpendicular to the direction of airflow and keeps the craft airborne. Drag is the force that acts parallel to the direction of airflow and opposes forward motion.
  • Side force: This force acts perpendicular to both the direction of airflow and the lift force. It is caused by the difference in pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of the aircraft.
  • Moments: Moments are the forces that act around a point. The most common moments measured in wind tunnels are the pitching moment, the yawing moment, and the rolling moment.
  • Stability and control: Tests conducted to measure the stability and controllability of an aircraft are commonly using force measurement solutions for aircraft design changes or integrating new parts into an existing model.
  • Performance: Particularly important with new designs, engineers use these tests to measure the simulated flight performance under maximum speed, range and fuel efficiency.

The specific tests that are conducted in a wind tunnel depend on the project requirements.

Multi-Axis Sensors for Wind Tunnel Testing Applications

In measuring the forces of a wind tunnel test, multi-axis sensors offer the perfect solution for collecting as much data as possible across every axis, giving the engineer a more complete picture on the aerodynamics of the plane. In fact, Interface has supplied multi-axis load cells for use in several wind tunnel testing applications, for OEMs, testing facilities and part makers.

We offer a variety of multi-axis options including 2, 3 and 6-axis standard and high-capacity configurations depending on testing and data requirements of the user. These sensors can precisely measure the applied force from one direction with little or no crosstalk from the force or moment. Interface products provide excellent performance and accuracy in force and torque measurement.

To match the demands of the volumes of data available using multi-axis sensors in wind tunnel testing, Interface often provides several data acquisition instrumentation solution along with our BlueDAQ software.

Wind Tunnel Test Application

A major aerospace company was developing a new airplane and needed to test their scaled model for aerodynamics in a wind tunnel, by measuring loads created by lift and drag. Interface Model 6A154 6-Axis Load Cell was mounted in the floor of the wind tunnel and connected to the scaled model by a stalk. The wind tunnel blew air over the scaled model creating lift and drag, which was measured and compared to the theoretical airplane models. The output of the 6-axis sensor was connected to the BX8-AS Interface BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System, which was connected via USB cable to a computer. Using this solution, the company was able to analyze the collected data and made the necessary adjustments in their design to improve the aerodynamics of their theoretical airplane models.

Interface supports wind tunnel testing and all uses of force measurement in the advancements in aeropspace.

Wind tunnel testing is critical to the aircraft industry, as well as other industries like automotive and space. Interface has been providing multi-axis sensors and strain gage load cells to industry leaders and wind tunnel operators. We understand the unique needs of this type of testing and the instrumentation options that work best with our high-accuracy sensors. We also can work to provide custom solutions, load cells for use in extreme environmental conditions. Contact us to get the right solution for your specific testing program.

Additional Resources

Aircraft Wing Fatigue App Note

Airplane Jacking System

Interface Airplane Static Testing Case Study

Taking Flight with Interface Solutions for Aircraft Testing

Aircraft Yoke Torque Measurement

Aircraft Screwdriver Fastening Control App Note

Interface’s Crucial Role in Vehicle and Urban Mobility Markets

Rigging Engineers Choose Interface Measurement Solutions

 

Using Multi-Axis Sensors to Bring Robotics to Life

The advent of robotics brought with it the expansion of machine capabilities across many industries. The range of robotics today spans industrial, entertainment, autonomous, medical, educational, defense and consumer robots.

As with all invention and innovation, the demands for more data and precision testing have grown dramatically in recent years. Due to the nature of robotic movement, and the engineering that must be done to make this movement work, testing sensor technologies are advancing to improve robotics capabilities and to make them more accurate.

In the force measurement world, one of the best sensor devices that lends itself perfectly to robotics are multi-axis sensors. Interface’s multi-axis sensors are designed to provide the most comprehensive data points for advanced testing. With our industry-leading reliability and accuracy, Interface’s multi-axis sensors can provide the data our customers need to ensure performance and safety requirements are met in their robotic designs.

Multi-axis sensors can provide several benefits for use in robotics, as they allow for accurately measuring the robot’s position, orientation, and movement. Here are some ways that robots can benefit from multi-axis sensors:

  • Improved accuracy: Multi-axis sensors provide more accurate readings of a robot’s position and orientation, allowing it to perform tasks with greater precision and accuracy. This can be particularly important for tasks that require precision accuracy, such as assembly or inspection.
  • Enhanced safety: Multi-axis sensors help to improve the safety of robots by detecting when the robot is approaching an object or a person and slowing down or stopping to prevent collisions. This can be particularly important when robots are working near human workers.
  • Greater flexibility: Multi-axis sensors allow robots to perform a wider range of tasks, as they can adapt to changes in the environment or the task at hand. For example, a robot with multi-axis sensors can adjust its position and orientation to grip an object from a variety of angles, or to perform a task in a confined space.
  • Faster response time: Multi-axis sensors can provide real-time feedback on the robot’s movement, allowing it to adjust more quickly and with greater accuracy. This can help to improve the speed and efficiency of the robot’s performance.

Multi-Axis Robotic Arm Using Force Plate

In this application note, we highlight a customer that needs to measure the reaction forces of their robotic arm for safety purposes. The reaction loads occur at the robotic arm’s base; therefore, they need a force measurement system at the base of the robotic arm. Interface suggests using our force plate option to install at the base of the robotic arm. The solutions includes 3-Axis Force Load Cells are installed between two force plates, then installed at the bottom of the arm. This creates one large 6-Axis Force Plate. The sensors force data is recorded and displayed through the two BX8 Multi-Channel Bridge Amplifier and Data Acquisition Systems onto the customer’s computer. Read more about this application here.

Sensors must be able to provide the robust data requirements needed in designing and using robotics. Testing for industrial robots, which are used in manufacturing and assembly processes to automate tasks that are repetitive, dangerous or require precision, need exact measurements to clear the path to use. This data from sensors is used in design and production to evaluate reliability and quality of craftmanship. These types of robots are used in a variety of industries such as automotive, electronics, and aerospace.

Safety is primary for service and medical robots, as they are designed to interact with humans and perform tasks in healthcare, cleaning and surgical procedures, diagnosis, and rehabilitation.

Precision and accuracy are what defines the testing requirements for military robots. Whether these robots are used in military applications, such as bomb disposal, reconnaissance, and search and rescue missions or to operate in dangerous environments where it is not safe for humans to work, they must be thoroughly tested for high accuracy in operation.

While educational and entertainment robotics involve human interaction, so sensor technologies must match the use cases for teaching students about robotics, programming, and technology. They are often designed to be easy to use and intuitive, allowing students to experiment and learn through direct experience. Robots designed for entertainment purposes, such as robotic toys or theme park attractions are interactive. Robust sensor data makes the robots more engaging and may incorporate features like voice recognition or facial recognition to provide an authentic experience.

Lastly, autonomous robots undergo vast amounts of design tests using force and torque sensors due to the requirements of operating independently, without human intervention. They are often used in applications such as space exploration, agriculture, or transportation.

Interface offers a wide variety of multi-axis sensor options including 2-axis, 3-axis, 6-axis, and axial torsion load cell sensors. The benefits of using multi-axis sensors aligns to the advancements in robotics, as the expectations to do more means more data is needed to thoroughly test and measure every capability and interaction with accuracy.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

BX8 & 6-Axis

Multi-Axis Sensor Applications

Mounting Tips for Multi-Axis Sensors

Recap of Inventive Multi-Axis and Instrumentation Webinar

Dimensions of Multi-Axis Sensors An Interface Hosted Forum

Multi-Axis Sensors

Multi-Axis Sensors 101

 

Digital Instrumentation 101

Digital instrumentation used for test and measurement provides faster data input and output, and more robust analytics. Interface offers several types of digital instrumentation devices that transform load cell and strain bridge input into digital data output in numerous protocols and bus formats.

Instrumentation that utilizes analog output has long been the standard in the industry. As new requirements for use cases and applications grow, test and measurement engineers and professionals find digital instrumentation advantageous because of the lower cost, easy integration and scalability. They also like the advantage of daisy-chaining multiple sensors together on a single cable run.

Advancements in sensor technologies coincide with growing demands to gather more testing data. This is seen through the use of multi-axis sensors, along with requirements for multi-channel instrumentation that can integrate into existing systems already designed with specific digital connections and protocols, as highlighted in using Interfaces BX8 with our 6-Axis sensors. Change is also coming with a strong desire to utilize instrumentation that can easily work within cable free environments or in remote locations.

In addition to improving speed of data output, digital instrumentation offers an abundance of benefits. This is primarily due to the digital signal, as they are less susceptible to noise and are more secure. Digital instrumentation typically has built in error detection. Digital signals are best for transmitting signals across longer distances or when you need to allow for simultaneous multi-directional transmissions. Many people like the ease of integration, both into existing networks as well as with other testing devices.

Types of Interface Digital Instrumentation

  • Indicators and Bidirectional Indicators
  • Portable and Programmable Indicators
  • Battery Powered Indicators and Bidirectional Indicators
  • Single and Multi-Channel Transmitters
  • Controllers and Programmable Controllers
  • USB Output Modules
  • PC Interface Modules
  • Sensor to USB Output Converters
  • Data Acquisition Systems
  • Wireless Instrumentation

Connection options available for Interface Digital Instrumentation include, RS232, RS485, RS422, Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, and Ethernet Protocols. The types of data output protocols available include ASCII, Modbus, CANopen, DeviceNet, Profibus DP Modbus/TCP, Ethernet TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT and several others. See the complete list of connections and protocols in our Digital Instrumentation Overview.

Top selling digital instrumentation models from Interface, with many available in various protocols:

Do you have questions about the type of instrumentation that will support your application?  You can see more of the solutions by visiting our instrumentation selection guide.  Here are six questions begin evaluating your instrumentation options:

  • Where are you going to connect your sensor technology and how?
  • Do you need to store your data?
  • Do you prefer an analog or digital output device?
  • Are you going to plug-in your instrumentation or use hand-held, wireless or Bluetooth connectivity?
  • How will your data output be displayed?
  • How many channels do you need for your project or program?

For additional help with instrumentation, please contact our application engineers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Digital Instrumentation for Force Measurement

Ultimate BlueDAQ Software Guide for Interface Instrumentation

Interface Instrumentation Definitions

Instrumentation Selection Guide

Advancements in Instrumentation Webinar

Interface Instructional on Instrumentation Event

Instrumentation

Ultimate BlueDAQ Software Guide for Interface Instrumentation

In the new online resource center for BlueDAQ Software, Interface provides helpful instructional guides, video demonstrations, user tips and feature details about the popular software often used with various Interface Instrumentation solutions.

Interface provides various instrumentation products, as highlighted in our Instrumentation Selection Guide, for scale input/output, force and moment value calculation, graphing, logging, and display that are compatible with the BlueDAQ Software.

The BlueDAQ Software contains modules for stress analysis with strain gages. It is designed to be used for multiple axis and multi-component force torque sensors. A benefit is the long-term data acquisition decimation at run time.

BlueDAQ Software is used for configuration of measuring amplifiers, recording of measurement data, playback and export of recorded data and read-out dataloggers for Interface Instrumentation models 9330 and BX6-BT.  You can see a complete instrumentation comparison guide to determine the model that works best with the software requirement needed for a project or lab.

The BlueDAQ software is commonly used with the following Interface Instrumentation Models:

The software and drivers are available for download, at no cost.  Visit the BlueDAQ resource center for quick access.

Instrumentation paired with the right software extends the value of test and measurement projects and work in the lab. As noted in our our recent Advancements in Instrumentation webinar, expectations for how data is viewable, stored and retrievable for detailed analysis is critical. This is confirmed in the recent report on trends in data management for sensor products, which includes:

  • Mathscripting
  • Real-time data manipulation versus post process
  • Remote access to equipment and results
  • Transmission to the cloud and data security
  • Alerts, notifications, automated reports
  • Advanced triggering and logging
  • Mixed and expanding communication protocols: Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, EtherCAT and ethernet, Wi-Fi, 5G

You can watch product and software demonstration videos and review compatible and comparative instrumentation options that come with BlueDAQ software.

BlueDAQ Software Brochure

 

Force Sensing Keeps Factories Running Feature in Fierce Electronics

In the recent article, ‘May the force be with you: Force sensing keeps factories running, product quality high’ Dan O’Shea at Fierce Electronics writes about the growing demand for sensors in industrial automation applications.

Following his interview with Interface’s Keith Skidmore, Dan writes:

‘While some sensors are more focused on monitoring equipment or measuring environmental conditions around a manufacturing process, force sensors measure mechanical forces occurring in the equipment and processes, and the products being manufactured. They measure things like load, tension, resistance, weight or total pressure applied. By employing this kind of sensing technology, manufacturers can monitor the health of their equipment and improve quality assurance for their products.’

“Testing things by applying a force to them is super common. Many products in lots of industries get tested this way, from aerospace to automotive, through to consumer goods. Chairs, furniture, mattresses, ladders–basically, anything that’s being manufactured, there can be a desire to figure out how strong the various parts of those products are.” Keith Skidmore, engineer and regional sales director at Interface

Read the entire Fierce Electronics article here.

Interface provides industrial automation and IoT solutions to manufacturers, equipment makers and factories around the world. Sensors play a pivotal role in production and optimization through tools and process improvements.

Industrial Robotic Arm

Robotic arms are frequently used in production facilities throughout the manufacturing process. Suppliers of these devices heavily rely on accurate and quality sensors to provide feedback. In this application, the designer needed to test the force of the arm apparatus to ensure it could safely secure packages on a moving conveyor belt without damaging any materials or products. This automated function helps to improve quality of packaging and increase productivity on the line.

Interface provided the model 6A40A 6-Axis Load Cell with model BX8-HD44 Data Acquisition Amplifier instrumentation. The 6-Axis load cell provides measurement of all forces and torques (Fx, Fʏ, Fz, Mx, Mʏ, Mz) and the BXB-HD44 Data Acquisition Amplifier logs, displays, and graphs these measurements while sending scaled analog output signals for these axes to the robot’s control system. Customer installed 6A40 6-Axis Load Cell between robot flange and robot grabber. The extensive data outputs from the multi-axis sensor provided the exact detailed measurements needed for the industrial robotic application.

TEDS 101

In the electronics industry, sensor compatibility challenges can lead to significant issues with efficiency, accuracy, safety and more. When it comes to force measurement sensors, incompatibility issues can railroad an entire project.  This is where the role of Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS) comes into play.

TEDS is a set of electronic data in a standardized format stored in a chip that is attached to a transducer, therefore allowing the transducer to identify and describe itself to the network and ease automatic system configuration. This self-identification capability for the transducer is needed for maintenance, diagnostics, and to determine mean time between failure characteristics. The chip stores information such as manufacturer name, identification number, type of device, serial number, as well as calibration data. The TEDS can be uploaded to the system upon power up or request. It also serves as documentation for the transducer.

Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS) provide:

  • Sensor with electronic identification
  • IEEE 1451.4 standard for smart transducer interface
  • Plug and play readiness
  • Storage of sensor information and calibration data
  • Use with new or existing sensors

IEEE1451.4 specifies a table of identifying parameters that are stored in the load cell in the form of a TEDS. TEDS is a table of parameters that identify the transducer and is held in the transducer on a EEPROM for interrogation by external electronics.

A TEDS chip becomes the ultimate tool to allow users to take off-the-shelf sensor solutions and integrate them into a total force measurement solution. The key benefits TEDS provide includes:

  • Eliminating potential for data entry error
  • Simplifying new system setup and speeds up the process
  • Making swapping load cells in and out of a test system seamless
  • Improving safety by ensuring the system has the correct sensors
  • Easily identifying and tagging sensor locations
  • Improving inventory control of sensors
  • Changing sensors out without jeopardizing integrity of the system

TEDS chips can be sold separately or integrated into existing systems such as instrumentation products. Interface offers both options, selling TEDS as a standalone accessory, as well as integrating them into instrumentation solutions, such as:

9840 Calibration Grade Multi-Channel Load Cell Indicator

Model 9840 is suitable for use in calibration labs, field service, or anywhere high accuracy is important. This product’s features include a bipolar 6-digit 2-line display, remote sense, low noise, 24-bit internal resolution, USB port with RS232 communication, mV/V calibration, store calibrations for up to 25 sensors. 6-point linearization, unit conversion and front-panel tare. This unit also has Self-calibration via TEDS Plug and Play ready IEEE 1451.4 compliance.

9320 Battery Powered Portable Load Cell Indicator

Model 9320 is a bipolar 7-digit handheld meter featuring two independently scalable ranges, peak and valley monitoring, display hold, mV/V calibration, and a power save feature. Typical battery life exceeds 45 hours of continuous use and 450 in low power mode. IEEE1451.4 TEDS Plug and Play compliant.

Additional TEDS Ready Interface Solutions

9840-400-1-T 4-Channel Intelligent Indicator

9840TQ mV/V Input Torque Transducer Indicator

9870 High-Speed High Performance Teds Ready Indicator

BX6-BT Portable 6-Channel High Speed Bluetooth Data Logger

BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System With Industrial Enclosure

BX8-HD15 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System For Discreet Sensors With Lab Enclosure

BX8-HD44 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System For Multi-Axis Sensors With Lab Enclosure

These solutions make a great addition to any testing environment as they enable quick compatibility and are very easy to setup. To learn more about TEDS or to explore how TEDS can help solve your force measurement challenges, contact us to explore the possibilities.

Interface Sensors Used for Development and Testing of Surgical Robotics

Electro-mechanical and software advancements in the medical device and healthcare industry have made all kinds of surgical robotics a reality. Manufacturers and design engineers of these robots come to Interface during the stages of research and development, product engineering and refinement, and testing to perfect surgical use cases. The sensor technologies we provide are preferred in these processes and in final integration due to the fact these devices are highly regulated and require the utmost in accuracy and reliability.

The types of surgeries currently being performed with robotics include what were once considered invasive and a higher risk of failure such as coronary bypass, removing cancer tissue, transplants, laser incisions, and more. With surgical robotics, the medical professionals rely on precision to perform these surgeries with as minimal invasion as possible.

The product development process for surgical robotics is extremely meticulous and requires a wide variety of tests to confirm the accuracy of the product. One of the key components to testing in this field is force measurement. As you can imagine, force plays a massive role in surgical robotics. Every action performed needs to be forced tested to ensure that whatever the surgical task, the robot is doing it with precision.

For surgical robotics, minute forces need to be measured because they are working with highly fragile subjects within a human body. To measure these tiny forces, Interface offers a variety of Interface Mini™ Solutions.  Interface Mini Load Cells are used for light touch, light weight, or for less space. Our miniature load cells provide exceedingly accurate measurements similar to our full-size load cells with proprietary alloy strain gages. They are used in R&D, test and for OEM use in robot components.

All our miniature beam load cells, load cell load buttons, load washer, miniature tension force load cells, S-type load cells, and sealed stainless steel load cells are commonly used based on their capacity and designs.  A variety of our load cells can be used in an off-the-shelf application. Our engineers can also work with you to design custom load cells to fit your exact needs, which is common in robotics.

Interface recently developed an application note to outline how force measurement can be used in testing force feedback using a combination of load cells, torque transducer and data acquisition device on a robotic surgical device.

Robotic Surgery Force Feedback

A biomechanical medical company wanted to test the force, torque, and tactile feedback from their robotic arm for invasive surgery. The surgeon’s movements are mirrored by the robotic arm during surgery, and it was essential all haptic force feedback is measured to ensure safety during invasive surgery. A number of Interface’s force and torque measurement products were suggested for this robotic arm. These includes our load button, S-types, Mini overload protected torque transducers and DAQ instrumentation.  Included below are the roles of each device:

Each one of Interface’s load cells or torque transducers played a part in the ensuring the safety and functionality of robotic arms during invasive surgery. The force feedback that was measured from the robotic arm ensured that the robot used the perfect amount of force when using surgical tools that create incisions during surgeries. It also measured the torque being produced, ensuring the robot arm was moving smoothly and at the right speeds. Read the application note for this surgical robot here.

This is just one example of Interface’s work in robotics, and surgical robotics specifically. There are a growing number of devices used in special, precision surgeries that utilize force to perform its task.

Additional Resources Related to Medical, Healthcare and Robotics

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