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Center of Gravity Testing in Robotics Demands Precision Load Cells

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As the use of robotics expands across industries and the types of robotic motions grow in complexity, advanced testing using quality measurement solutions is essential. Contact momentum and gross measurements of indicators are not enough for sophisticated robotics. With the requirements for robots and cobots to have fluid and inertial movement capabilities, control and feedback demand maximized feedback and resolution.

Related to the testing of inertia, load shifting, and interaction, is defining the center of gravity for robots’ actions and applications. The center of gravity (CoG) of a robotic system is a critical factor in its stability and performance.

The CoG is the point at which the entire weight of the system is evenly distributed. If the CoG is not properly located, the system may be unstable and prone to tipping over, which could damage the robot.

For any robotic application that deploys advanced mobility features, the center of gravity can affect the way the system moves. It can also impact the exactness of its movements. Thus, it is essential to use measurement solutions that are highly precise. See: Advancements in Robotics and Cobots Using Interface Sensors.

Why Robotic Engineers Care About CoG Testing

  • Stability: The CoG is a major factor in determining the stability of a robot. If the CoG is not properly located, the robot may be unstable and prone to tipping over. This can be a safety hazard, and it can also damage the robot. It is an expensive mistake to not have stability proven before moving forward with the design.
  • Performance: The CoG can also affect the performance of a robot. If the CoG is located too high, the robot may be less maneuverable. If the CoG is located too low, the robot may be less stable. By optimizing the CoG, robotic engineers can improve the performance of the robot and use for actions that rely on exact movement.
  • Safety: In some industries, such as manufacturing, medical and aerospace, there are safety regulations that require robots to have a certain CoG. For example, in the automotive industry, robots that are used to weld cars must have a CoG that is below a certain point. By testing the CoG of their robots, robotic engineers can ensure that they are meeting safety regulations.

There are different methods for determining the CoG of a robotic system. One common method is to use strain gage load cells. Not all load cells are designed for precision measurement. Interface specializes in precision. Center of gravity testing demands strict measurement. For example, Interface compression load cells are often used in center of gravity testing for robotics because they are very accurate and can measure remarkably small forces.

Interface load cells measure force, and they can be used to determine the weight of a system at different points. By measuring the weight of a system at different points, it is possible to calculate the location of the CoG.

Interface load cells used for center of gravity testing are typically in our miniature load cell line, due to the size of the installation and testing environment. Miniature load cells are easily embedded into robotics, as well as can be used for continuous monitoring.

Surgical Robotic Haptic Force and CoG

Robots used for surgery often utilize haptic force feedback for ensuring that the surgeon does not apply too much force, creating harm or greater impact on the patient. Haptic is the use of force, vibration, or other tactile stimuli to create the sensation of touch. In the context of invasive surgery, haptic force feedback from robotics is used to provide the surgeon with feedback about the forces they are applying to the patient’s tissue. CoG testing can help to prevent the robotic arm from tipping over during surgery.

CoG testing is important for haptic force feedback in invasive surgery because it ensures that the robotic arm is stable and does not tip over during surgery. The CoG is the point at which the entire weight of the robotic arm is evenly distributed. If the CoG is not properly located, the robotic arm may be unstable and prone to tipping over. This can be a safety hazard for the surgeon and the patient.

CoG testing is also used to optimize the design of the robotic arm for haptic force feedback. CoG testing using precision load cells can verify the performance of the robotic arm in haptic force feedback applications. After the robotic arm has been designed and optimized, CoG can ensure that the robotic arm is able to provide the surgeon with the feedback they need to perform surgery safely and accurately.

Robotic Center of Gravity on Production Line

A company is developing a new robotic arm that will be used to simulate human behavior on a manufacturing product line. The robotic arm will be used to pick and place products, and it is important that the arm is stable and does not tip over. To ensure the stability of the robotic arm, the company needs to determine the CoG of the arm. The load cell is placed on the arm, and the arm will be moved through a range of motions. The data from the load cell will be used to calculate the CoG of the arm.

CoG Testing and Multi-Axis Sensors

Multi-axis load cells are growing in use for robotics testing to provide data across 2, 3 or 6 axes at any given time. These high functioning sensors are ideal for robotic tests where there are simulations of human behaviors. This is detailed in Using Multi-Axis Sensors to Bring Robotics to Life.

To perform CoG testing using precision load cells, a robotic system can be placed on a platform that is supported by the load cells. We call these force plates. The load cells measure the weight of the system at different points, and the data is then used to calculate the location of the CoG. Visit our 6-Axis Force Plate Robotic Arm application note to learn more about force plates and multi-axis sensors.


Benefits Of Using Precision Load Cells for CoG Testing:

  • Interface precision load cells provide advanced sensors functional beyond contact and simple indicator measurement, to maximize robotic feedback and optimize performance.
  • Interface precision load cells can provide accurate measurements of the weight of a robotic system at different points.
  • Interface precision load cells are repeatable and dependable, which means that the results of CoG testing are consistent when testing robots and cobots.
  • Interface precision load cells are easy to use, which makes them a practical option for CoG testing and integration into the actual robot.

There are several benefits to using an Interface Mini Load Cells, like our ConvexBT Load Button Load Cell or MBI Overload Protected Miniature Beam Load Cell for high accuracy CoG testing.

First, the miniature load cell is small and lightweight, which makes it easy to attach to the robotic arm. Second, the load cell is designed for precision measurement, which ensures that the CoG of the arm is accurately determined. Third, the quality of Interface precision load cells provides repeatable and dependable measurement, which means that the results of CoG testing are consistent.

Using a miniature load cell of high accuracy is a valuable way to test the CoG of a robot used to simulate human behavior on a product line. This ensures that the robot is stable and does not tip over, which is critical for safety and efficiency.

In addition to testing the CoG of a robotic arm, other tests for these types of robotics include the weight of the arm, the distribution of the weight of the arm, and the friction between the arm and the surface it is moving on. By considering these factors, it is possible to accurately determine the CoG of a robotic arm and ensure that it is stable and safe to operate.

There are many factors that can affect the accuracy of CoG testing using load cells, including the design, capacity and range of measurement of the load cells, the stability of the platform, and the distribution of the weight of the system.

CoG testing is an important part of the design and development of robotic systems. By determining the CoG of a system, it is possible to improve its stability and performance. If you are interested in learning more about CoG testing using Interface precision load cells, please contact us.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Types of Robots Using Interface Sensors

Robotic Grinding and Polishing

Collaborative Robots Using Interface Sensors

Advancements in Robotics and Cobots Using Interface Sensors

Using Multi-Axis Sensors to Bring Robotics to Life

Robotic Surgery Force Feedback

IoT Industrial Robotic Arm App Note

Force Measurement Solutions for Advanced Manufacturing Robotics

Reduced Gravity Simulation

Tank Weighing and Center of Gravity App Note

 

Automation-and-Robotics-Case-Study

Interface Space Economy Solutions

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The space economy is rapidly emerging as a leading platform for cutting-edge research, technology, and global economics. With a focus on endeavors such as lunar mining and deep space exploration, Interface is at the forefront of sensor technology, which is driving growth in this dynamic sector, as noted in our new Space Economy Solutions Overview.

The space economy encompasses various sectors, including satellite communication, Earth observation, space tourism, launch services, space manufacturing, and space mining, among others. It involves both public and private entities, including government space agencies, commercial space companies, and research institutions. As sustainability and digital technologies continue to reshape the global economy, Interface precision force measurement solutions are used in scientific research and development (R&D) and deep space discoveries, as noted in Enabling A Look Way Beyond Yonder. As a result, we are poised to play an increasingly critical role in testing the boundaries and opportunities in the space economy.

Leaders in the space sector are using force measurement products in their to design, build, test, secure and launch rockets into outer space. Interface has been involved in many of these projects with some of the space largest organizations in the world,as noted in our NASA case study.  Interface sensor technologies are also used by innovators and education institutions around the world, like the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, that are exploring possibilities and testing inventions for our continued exploration and future inhabitation of other planets and galaxies.

Force Measurement Use Cases for Space Launches

There are numerous areas in which force measurement sensors are utilized on a space project. Everything from the motorized equipment at the launch site, to the rocket itself, can be tested using load cells, load pins, and more. Some of the areas in which Interface has been involved in providing solutions for includes structural testing on rockets, launch platforms and landing, commercial launch vehicles, space exploration equipment testing, and even in testing certain equipment used for space travel and food production.

  • Structural Testing: Structural tests are critical to the launch process because the craft’s core components, such as the liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks, wings, and fuselage, must withstand launch loads of up to nine million pounds of force (lbf). A few years ago, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) used Interface load cells to measure the core stage of the rocket. This particular core stage is one of the largest ever built at 27 feet in diameter and more than 200 feet tall.
  • Thrust Testing: A rocket that is fully fueled and ready for launch can weigh up to five million pounds. Therefore, the force necessary to lift the rocket out of the earth’s atmosphere is immense. There are several other factors working against the rocket which need to be compensated for when adjusting thrust force such as drag. Interface has supplied load cells to many aerospace customers to test force and other contributing factors for lifting a rocket into space. These load cells work by being installed underneath a test plate which the rocket engine will sit on. As the engine thrusts, the load cells will calculate the force output of the engine in real-time. This data is used to optimize the engine to determine how much thrust force is needed based on the spacecraft’s total weight and the calculated drag at liftoff.
  • Force Gravity Testing: Force measurement tools also serve many purposes outside of spacecraft testing in the aerospace industry. Interface was involved in a unique application of force measurement with a customer that wanted to develop a system to provide a full range of natural motion for a realistic simulation of reduced gravity environments. The system would be used to simulate weightlessness so astronauts’ crews could learn how to handle microgravity activities, including walking, running, and jumping. The system could also be used for surface operation studies, suit and vehicle development, robotic development, and mass handling studies.

EVENT ALERT! Interface will be showcasing how our load cells, load pins, load shackles, calibration equipement, and instrumentation are used by space technology companies around the world at Space Tech Expo, May 2-4 in Laguna Beach, California.  You’ll find us in Booth 6057 where we we will be highlighting solutions, as captured here:

Space Economy Applications

Space Dock Capture Ring Force Testing Solution

A space company wanted to test their spacecraft docking simulator. They wisedh to test the forces of the actuators used during the “lunge”, when the soft capture ring is lunged forward to latch onto a space vehicle that has been mounted. They also wanted to ensure they are working properly when engaged, and that it does not go past its overload force limit. Interface suggested using multiple WTS 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Wireless Load Cells to be installed to the actuators of the capture ring. Both as wireless solutions, measurements could be recordeded through the WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module, which then can transmit to the WTS-BS-1 Handheld Display or the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station for the customer to record, log, and graph on their computer. Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System successfully measured the forces of the soft capture ring of the space docking port with overload protection.

Rover Landing Gear Solution

A space company wanted to measure the cushioning effect of their rover’s landing legs through a drop test. They want to test how much force the landing gear can absorb until issues are caused in the legs. Interface suggested using the INFRD Platform Scale, which has four shear beam load cells installed at the corners of the scale. A drop test was conducted at different heights, and the results were summed using a JB104SS Junction Box built in the scale. The results are measured and logged on the provided SD card. Results can be also be viewed and logged when the 9330 connects to a PC. The INFRD Platform Scale was able to capture the forces that was implemented onto the rover’s landing gear through these drop tests.

Like many space technology companies, a very well known space exploration leader is utilizing force measurement to stabilize their rocket prior to launch. A YouTube channel named CSI Starbase, examined a few images from a recent launch construction project and pointed out the presence of Interface stainless steel load pins on the site. In the video, CSI Starbase concluded that the load pins pictured must be used for the hold down arms used on the booster of the rocket. This is one of many Innovative Interface Load Pin Applications.

Interface understands the advancements we are making in the space economy require high accuracy force measurement solutions.  Interface offers a wide variety of solutions, both custom and off-the-shelf, for the ever expanding space economy, including sensors used for:

  • Structural Testing
  • Space and Flight Simulations
  • Launch Vehicles and Spacecraft Tests
  • Engine and Thrust Tests
  • Spacewalks
  • Robotics and Manipulators
  • Space Habitats and Agriculture
  • Planetary Exploration Vehicles
  • Space Mining
  • Space Vehicle Component Manufacturing
  • Deep Space Exploration
  • Space R&D
  • Spacecraft Landing Gear Tests
  • Rovers Vehicle Design and Testing
  • Microgravity Tests

To highlight more of our solutions and provide background on the various ways we serve space customers, check out our new space economy overview.

Space Economy Brochure

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Force Measurement for Space Travel

Launching into Orbit with Interface

Interface Explores Commercial Launch Solutions

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Interface supplies advanced sensor technologies to high-profile companies in some of the most challenging environments, including those that are using their innovations for exploration beyond planet earth.

Aerospace commercial launch programs have a critical role in advancing our understanding of the world around us, as well as in supporting a wide range of industries and applications. Commercial launch is typically defined by engineers and aerospace market leaders as the design, manufacturing, and operation of rockets and spacecraft for commercial purposes. This includes providing launch services to customers such as private companies, governments, and research institutions.

Collaborating with engineers and market leaders at the forefront of the commercial launch industry, Interface is proud to take part in enabling space exploration and satellite deployment for a wide range of use cases. Commercial launch has a big part of our global economic growth for scientific research, environmental monitoring, communications, and national security.

Force measurement devices are critical tools for commercial launch companies, helping ensure the safety and effectiveness of spacecraft and rockets during design, testing, and launch. Interface high-accuracy load cells, torque transducers, load pins and wireless instrumentation are utilized throughout testing phases of aerospace vehicles, small and large. Interface products are used by commercial launch companies for a range of applications, including:

Rocket and Engine Testing: Load cells and force measurement devices are used to measure the thrust and other forces generated by rocket engines during testing. This information is critical for ensuring that the engine is operating safely and as designed. Read

Launch Vehicle Testing: Load cells and force measurement devices are used during testing of the launch vehicle to measure the loads and stresses that it will experience during launch. This helps ensure that the rocket is designed to withstand the forces it will encounter during launch.

Payload Integration: Load cells are used to measure the weight and balance of the payload during integration into the rocket. This helps ensure that the rocket is properly configured for launch and that the payload is secure.

Parachute Deployment: Load cells are used to measure the forces generated during parachute deployment and landing. This helps ensure that the parachute system is designed to deploy safely and effectively. See Parachute Deployment and Deceleration Testing

Spacecraft Separation: Load cells are used to measure the forces generated during spacecraft separation from the launch vehicle. This helps ensure that the spacecraft is safely released from the rocket and that it is on its intended trajectory.

Force measurement plays an important role in space exploration and commercial launches, including vehicle designs, automation of machines that manufacture components, structures used for launch testing, and the actual engineering and building of the spaceships. See our case study, Force Measurement for Space Travel.

With the growing investments in commercial space applications, Interface solutions are in high demand for testing in vehicles in launch environments.  Interface products are used in thrust testing, structural testing, and even force gravity testing.  Every test must be verifiably accurate due to the trustworthiness and safety requirements of moving the ever-increasing valuable payloads, which is beyond stellar communication technologies. It’s now about launching and returning humans, with frequency, in the new era of space travel. Safety is priority number one., Here are a few application examples of Interface solutions utilized by commercial launch market leaders.

Rocket Structure Testing

NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) core stage is largest ever built at 27 feet in diameter and 200+ feet tall. Core components including liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks must withstand launch loads up to nine million pounds-force (lbf). Interface load cells were attached to hydraulic cylinders at various locations along test stands to provide precise test forces. Strain gages were also bonded to rocket structure surface and connected to data acquisition system for stress analysis. Using this solution, engineers can measure loads applied at various areas on the rocket structure, verifying the structural performance under simulated launch conditions. Read more about this type of testing here, Rocket Structure Testing

Space Dock Capture Ring Force Testing

A space company wanted to test their spacecraft docking simulator. They wished to test the forces of the actuators used during the “lunge”, when the soft capture ring is lunged forward to latch onto a space vehicle that has been mounted. They also wanted to ensure they are working properly when engaged, and that it does not go past its overload force limit. Interface suggested using multiple WTS 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Wireless Load Cells to be installed to the actuators of the capture ring. Both as wireless solutions, measurements can be recorded through the WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module, which then can transmit to the WTS-BS-1 Handheld Display or the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station for the customer to record, log, and graph on their computer. Interface’s Wireless telemetry system successfully measured the forces of the soft capture ring of the space docking port with overload protection. Learn more about this application here: Space Dock Capture Ring Force Testing

Reduced Gravity Testing

In this application, Interface supplied a Model 1100 Series Load Cell, which was installed in-line with a steel support cable to actively measure the vertical load on the system. A control system was then utilized, (which includes a Model 9870 High Speed High Performance TEDS Ready Indicator), to monitor the load cell output and continuously offload a portion of a human or robotic payload weight during all dynamic motions. Using precise feedback from the load cell, the control system commanded a motor to raise or lower the subject to maintain a constant offload force. During the simulation, the system actively compensated for the subject’s movement to accurately reproduce a microgravity environment. Read more about this test here: Reduced Gravity Simulation.

Commercial launch companies are often driven by market demand and competition, which can lead to innovations in rocket and spacecraft design, manufacturing processes, and launch operations. This in turn can lead to advancements in space exploration, scientific research, and other applications that benefit society. We are proud to play a part of these advancements and discoveries.

Interface is exhibiting again at Space Tech Expo 2023.

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