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Collaborative Robots Using Interface Sensors

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Industrial evolutions continue to find new and innovative ways to use technologies, from AI to advanced robotics. What is not changing over time is the unique ability for humans to solve challenges and create new solutions. Pairing human ingenuity with machines to increase efficiencies and productivity is what we see today with the fast growing use of collaborative robots.

A cobot, short for collaborative robot, is a type of robot designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which are typically separated from human workers, cobots are designed to be safe and easy to use working side-by-side people. This interactivity is often referenced as part of moving from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0.

Cobots are typically equipped with sensors technologies that allow them to detect the presence of humans and react accordingly. This can include slowing down, stopping, or changing direction to avoid collisions or other safety hazards. Cobots are often used in tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or require a high level of precision, such as assembly, packaging, or inspection.

One of the main advantages of cobots is their flexibility and ease of use. They can be quickly reprogrammed or taught new tasks, making them a cost-effective solution for many distinct types of manufacturing and assembly operations. Additionally, because they can collaborate with human workers, they can help to improve efficiency and productivity while also reducing the risk of injury or accidents.

In our new case study, Advancements in Robotics and Cobots Using Interface Sensors, we explore how are force measurement sensors used for cobots.

Force measurement sensors are often used in collaborative robotics to provide feedback on the force being applied during a task. This information can be used to ensure that the cobot is performing the task correctly and to detect any issues or errors that may occur. There are several types of force measurement sensors that can be used in cobots.

  • Strain gage sensors: Interface uses proprietary strain gages in our load cells. Use of this type of sensor helps to measure the deformation of a material in response to applied forces. They are commonly used in cobots to measure forces applied to a gripper or end effector.
  • Miniature load cells and load cell load buttons: Interface load cells of all sizes are used for both testing during design as well as embedded into the actual cobot for continuous monitoring. These types of sensors measure the force applied to a structure, such as a robotic arm or a part being manipulated by a gripper. Load cells can be used to ensure that the cobot is applying the correct amount of force to the part being worked on. Our smallest load cells are often used in the production and design of cobots.
  • Torque transducers: Interface transducers are utilized to measure the movement of robots, in rotation and for pivotal activity. These are critical in tasks on production lines, as well in unique industry cobots, such as entertainment.
  • Tactile sensors: These sensors measure the pressure or force applied to a surface. They are commonly used in cobots for tasks that require a high level of sensitivity, such as grasping and manipulating fragile objects.

Advancements in Technology Leads to Multi-Axis Sensors and Cobots

As use of cobots grows, so do the demands for using more data to define precision measured responses and actions. Multi-axis sensors can provide several benefits for cobots, as they allow for more accurate and precise sensing of the robot’s position, orientation, and movement. Here are some ways that cobots can benefit from multi-axis sensors:

  • Improved accuracy: Multi-axis sensors can provide more accurate readings of a cobot’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 can help to improve the safety of cobots 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 cobots are working near human workers.
  • Greater flexibility: Multi-axis sensors can allow cobots to perform a wider range of tasks, as they can adapt to changes in the environment or the task at hand. For example, a cobot 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 cobot’s movement, allowing it to adjust more quickly and with greater accuracy. This can help to improve the speed and efficiency of the cobot’s performance.

Cobots are being used in a wide range of industries, as they offer benefits such as improved efficiency, precision, and safety. Some of the industries that are currently using cobots include:

  • Automotive: Cobots are being used in the automotive industry for tasks such as assembly, material handling, and inspection.
  • Electronics: Cobots are being used in the electronics industry for tasks such as assembly, testing, and inspection.
  • Food and beverage: Cobots are being used in the food and beverage industry for tasks such as packaging, sorting, and palletizing.
  • Medical: Cobots are being used in the medical industry for tasks such as assembly, inspection, and material handling.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Cobots are being used in the pharmaceutical industry for tasks such as packaging, inspection, and dispensing.
  • Aerospace: Cobots are being used in the aerospace industry for tasks such as drilling, riveting, and assembly.
  • Plastics and rubber: Cobots are being used in the plastics and rubber industry for tasks such as injection molding, material handling, and inspection.

By using force measurement sensors, cobots can perform tasks with greater accuracy and precision, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall efficiency. They can also help to prevent damage to parts or products being worked on and ensure that safety standards are being met.  Read the full case study below.

Advancement in Robotics and Cobots Using Interface Sensors Case Study

 

Interface Manufacturing and Production Solutions

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Force measurement is integral to advanced manufacturing systems, especially when it comes to how this technology is used in production lines. Force sensors are utilized in both testing and monitoring of a wide variety of machines to ensure accuracy and repeatability throughout the production line. These sensors are also used by production line engineers in the design and development of systems used to ensure accuracy in measurements of force, weight, compression, and torque as products and components move throughout the line, including distribution.

Watch how Interface provided an industrial automation solution for small pallets used in the distribution of manufactured products. In the video, we highlight a request for a pallet weighing solution to use in their warehouse to monitor their products and goods 24/7. They need to use sensor technologies to verify if any products are missing based on the weight, and able to determine pricing for their goods based on the weight.

Interface works with a large range of manufacturers and equipment makers to improve quality and productivity by supplying high-performance measurement solutions. From using miniature load cells to apply the exact force needed to press a brand identity onto fragile consumable, to using multi-axis sensors for verifying performance data when making intricately machined parts, Interface products are commonplace in manufacturing and production.

In fact, Interface offers manufacturing and production standard off-the-shelf, engineered to order and complete OEM solutions including load cells, instrumentation and weighing devices. Our products provide the quality and durability necessary within industrial environments. In addition, we can customize the majority of our products to fit unique and evolving needs as sensor technologies like robotics and advanced manufacturing devices are integrated into production lines.

Load cells are frequently used in monitoring equipment. Interface can custom design force sensors to be installed directly into product for monitoring certain forces in real-time, including for use in industrial automation robotics. This is particularly popular in manufacturing because you can monitor equipment to understand when it may be out of alignment and needs to come down for repair, rather than risking a disruption in production. This is particularly important in automated production lines because it gives engineers and extra set of eyes on machines and improves efficiency overall by reducing downtime.

One of the unique use cases for load cells used for monitoring is in weighing materials held on pillow blocks bearings. Pillow block bearings, or similarly constructed bearing, are used to carry rolled materials or conveyor belt. Interface’s new PBLC1 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell can be placed underneath the bearing to measure the weight of whatever material is being held up. These types of bearing are often found in machines with similar type of bearing are used on conveyor belts moving products down a production line.

Manufacturing Feed Roller System

A customer has a feed roller system and needs to monitor the forces of both ends of the rollers, in order to maintain a constant straight feed. They would also prefer a wireless system. Interface came to the rescue with our Pillow Block Load Cells and WTS Wireless Telemetry Systems. Interface suggests installing two PBLC Pillow Block Load Cells at both ends of the bottom roller to measure the forces being applied. The forces are measured when connected to WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module. The data is then transmitted wirelessly to the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station and the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for multiple transmitters, where data can be displayed, graphed, and logged on the customer’s computer.

Production Line Conveyor Belt Adhesion Test

A customer wants to test the adhesion strength in between the many layers and textiles of a conveyor belt. They want to conduct a separation test from the rubber of the conveyor belt from the other layers. They would also like a wireless solution. Interface’s SMA Miniature S-Type Load Cell is installed in the customer’s tensile test load frame, where it measures the forces applied as the test is conducted and the layers are pulled and separated. When connected to the WTS-AM-1F Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module, the data is wirelessly transmitted to WTS-BS-5 Wireless Analog Output Receiver Module with nV output. The WTS-BS-5 can then connect to the 9330 Battery Powered High Speed Data Logging Indicator to display, graph, and log the data with supplied BlueDAQ software.

Industrial Automation Robotic Arm for Production

A manufacturer of a robot arm needs to measure force and torque when the arm picks up and places objects. The manufacturer needs a wireless system to accomplish this in order to log the measurement results. Interface supplied Model 6A40A 6-Axis Load Cell with Model BX8-HD44 Data Acquisition/Amplifier.

Interface force sensors can be used in a number of ways within the manufacturing industry across a variety of applications for the test and monitoring of machines and production lines.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Force Measurement Solutions for Advanced Manufacturing Robotics

Robotics and Automation are Changing Modern Manufacturing at Interface

Vision Sensor Technology Increases Production Reliability

Industrial Automation Brochure

Weighing Solutions Brochure

Smart Pallet Solution

Interface Solutions for Safety and Regulation Testing and Monitoring

Using Multi-Axis Sensors to Bring Robotics to Life

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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

 

Interface Solutions for Production Line Engineers

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Due to the influence of IoT, AI and big data, the role of production line engineer has become far more critical as manufacturers demand peak efficiency. These engineers need to stay current in automation technologies used to design, build, and monitor a production line for the benefits of decreasing speed to market, lowering costs, and improving outputs at the highest quality standards.

Among the many software and hardware solutions these individuals must also understand connected sensors are among the most important. Sensors are the nervous system of an automated production line, telling which machines must perform certain tasks, when, and how. They are a source for smart factories and smart manufacturing.

Sensors modernize manufacturing, assembly, and production lines by enabling real-time monitoring and control of the production process.

Measurement solutions provide accurate data on production parameters such as temperature, speed, pressure, force, and other relevant variables, which can then be used to optimize the production process, detect, and resolve problems in real-time, and prevent downtime. Additionally, sensors can be integrated into industrial IoT systems to provide valuable insights and analytics that can help manufacturers make data-driven decisions.

One of the sensor types that play a key role in these automated production lines are force sensors. Force sensors can be used by production line engineers across several different facets of an automated line. When designing a manufacturing line, there are quite a few factors that go into the full system. This includes process monitoring, quality control, predictive maintenance, energy management and inventory management. Force sensors play a role in each of these types of data points and processes.

For instance, a production line engineer can install sensors onto a machine that outputs a great deal of torque and monitor that torque to ensure the components creating that force are running smoothly, or if there are certain indicators that say it needs to be pulled off the line briefly for maintenance. When products on the line trigger certain force parameters such as weight, this can also tell the automated production line it is ready for the next stop in the process. Production line engineers design these lines around the sensing capabilities available and connected force sensing products have made a major difference in helping things become more efficient.

There is another automated process that also requires force sensors that is used as part of a manufacturing line, or as a standalone system – robotics. Production line engineers are doing a great deal of research and development into robotics to automate process that are repetitive, or far too delicate for human hands. Force sensors, in this use case, are used in both the testing of robotics to ensure accuracy or developed into the robotics to monitor certain functions over time.

Robotics can improve assembly and production processes, leading to higher efficiency, improved quality, and reduced costs. As technology continues to advance, the use of robotics by production line engineers in assembly and production is likely to become even more widespread.

Here at Interface, we have a great deal of experience in developing solutions for industrial automation and manufacturing lines. We have developed a few application notes to outline how production line engineers use our sensor solutions and force measurement products.

6-Axis Force Plate Robotic Arm

A customer wanted to measure the reaction forces of their robotic arm for safety purposes. The reaction loads occur at the robotic arm’s base; therefore, they needed a force measurement system at the base of the robotic arm. Interface suggested using their force plate option to install at the base of the robotic arm. Four 3-Axis Force Load Cells were 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 PC or laptop. Interface’s 6-Axis Force Plate was able to successfully measure the reaction forces of the customer’s robotic arm. Read more here.

Press Load Monitoring

Press forming is a method to deform varied materials. For instance, materials such as steel can be bent, stretched, or formed into shapes. A force measurement solution is required to monitor the forces being applied by the press forming machine. This ensures quality control and traceability during the production process. For large press forming machines, Interface recommends installing the 1000 High-Capacity Fatigue-Rated LowProfile™ Load Cell. When the material is placed under the punch plate to form a shape, the force applied is measured by the 1000 Series Load Cell. The force results captured is sent to the INF-USB3 Universal Serial Bus Single Channel PC Interface Module, where results can be graphed and logged on the customer’s PC with provided software. Interface’s force measurement products and instrumentation accurately monitored and logged the force results of the press force machine, ensuring zero-error production performance. Learn more about this application here.

Snack Weighing and Packaging Machine

A snack manufacturing brand wanted to weigh the amount of their snacks that is automatically dispersed into the bags during the packaging process. In this case, they wanted to weigh their potato chips being packaged. The company also wanted to ensure the potato chips are at the exact weight needed due to regulatory standards to be distributed out to consumers in the public. Interface’s solution was to use multiple SPI Platform Scale Load Cells, and install it to the potato multi-head weigher and packaging machine. The SPI Platform Scale Load cells were installed inside of the mount that attaches the head weigher to the packaging machine. Force results from the potato chips were read by the load cells and sent to the ISG Isolated DIN Rail Mount Signal Conditioner, where the customer is able to control the automated production from their command center. Using this solution, the customer was able to determine the weight of the potato chips being distributed into their bags with highly accurate results. They also were able to control the automated production process with the provided instrumentation. They will use this same weighing method for other snacks that need to be packaged. Read about the solution here.

Production line engineers turn to Interface due to our quality, accuracy, and reliability. Our products are used to test, monitor in real time, and created automated processes within a manufacturing line. As automation and robotics grow, you will continue to see new applications for sensors in this sector.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

IoT Industrial Robotic Arm App Note

Quality Engineers Require Accurate Force Measurement Solutions

Vision Sensor Technology Increases Production Reliability

Force Measurement Solutions for Advanced Manufacturing Robotics

Robotics and Automation are Changing Modern Manufacturing at Interface

Industrial-Automation-Brochure-1

 

Entertainment Venue Force Measurement and Monitoring Solutions

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There is a great deal of critical sensor technology used to design, build, and monitor venue infrastructure and the public before and during events. Venues management, architects, product makers and engineers take inordinate steps to protect people from bodily harm, risks, and hazard-related threats. This also includes the detailed real-time monitoring for venue infrastructure, staging, equipment such as speakers and monitors, and special apparatus used for entertainment, whether it be musical, theatrical or sports related.

Interface provides torque and force measurement solutions to the global entertainment and amusement industry used in entertainment venues around the world. To ensure attendee safety of any event, force measurement sensors are ideal for monitoring of large pieces of equipment and infrastructure. This is especially critical for outdoor venues where the elements, such as wind and rain, can pose serious safety hazards.

From the monitoring of backstage rigging devices to heavy lifting equipment for sets and lighting, Interface offers a broad range of measurement and weighing solutions. Our products are used for staging, displays, filming and drone equipment, as well as theme park machines and robotics, as detailed in our Entertainment Solutions Overview.

In addition to real time monitoring, the tried and true use for force measurement sensors is in testing during the development and design stages. The entertainment industry is experimenting with a wide variety of new and engaging experiences for the audience, a lot of which involves massive infrastructure or robotics and animatronics. During live entertainment, you never want to put something as technical and complex as a mobile stage or robotic personality out in front of people without thorough testing. Interface sensors have been used to test these types of applications. Accuracy of our products ensures the manufacturers receives the data they need to confirm and produce designs used for and by various forms of entertainment.

We have recently put together a wide variety of applications notes outlining these exact types of entertainment industry applications used in venues to demonstrate how Interface products help to meet compliance requirements, improve safety, and mitigate risks for patrons, crews, entertainers, athletes, and staff while providing an entertaining experience.

Outdoor Festival Venue Wind Monitoring

An outdoor festival was occurring in a large outdoor venue for multiple days. Outdoor stages pose a risk towards high wind speeds, which need to be monitored in case a storm passes through. This is to ensure safety for all personnel on site of the festival to avoid any accidents. Interface suggested installing the WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module on the outdoor stage. Wind speed results were wirelessly transmitted to the customer’s PC through WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Station with USB Interface in Industrial Enclosure. It can also be transmitted to the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters Data can be displayed, logged, and graphed with supplied Log100 software. Interface’s WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module combined with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System was perfect to monitor the wind speed during the outdoor festival. Read more here.

Venue LED Screens

A customer constructing a huge venue wanted to weigh their very large LED screens. They also wanted to measure the force of the structure that is supporting the screens, to ensure stability and structural integrity. Interface suggested their LW General Purpose Load Washer Load Cells be assembled within rods that are part of the support structure. The LED screen hung off the structure, which connects to the rods. The compression forces applied to the rod were measured by the LW’s installed in between. The load washers were paired with WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, where the force results are wirelessly transmitted to both the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters and the WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Stations with included Log100 software. Interface’s wireless load washer system successfully weighed the forces of the large LED screen for the customer’s new venue.

Venue Animatronics

Animatronics are used throughout entertainment industry. From amusement and theme parks to movie sets, animatronics need to be accurately calibrated when they move, therefore the torque of the limbs must be tested. Interface’s MRTP Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer were connected to the servo motors in the limbs of the animatronics that make it move. The customer monitoring the animatronics viewed torque results on their PC when the transducers are connected to the BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition with Industrial Enclosure. Using this solution, the customer was able to record the force results of his metal bending machine with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System.

This is just a sample of the entertainment industry applications Interface force sensors can serve. We’re also heavily involved in provide standard and customized solutions used in testing and monitoring drones, touch screen calibration, equipment and infrastructure testing, and more.

Taking Measure of Miniature Load Cells Webinar

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Interface force measurement engineers and solution experts host an online discussion focused on products used to withstand one or more conditions related to temperature, cycling, moisture, environmental stresses. Learn about Interface’s stainless steel load cells, environmentally sealed options, submersible test and measurement products, enclosures, wireless capabilities, load pins, intrinsically safe products. We detail solutions used for all types of applications used in industries that include medical device, aerospace and defense, industrial automation, infrastructure, maritime and general test & measurement. We discuss sensors models, capabilities, features and FAQs. We dive into use cases, tips, measurement know-how and OEM products.

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Taking a Ride with Interface

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One of the greatest pastimes in the world are amusement parks. They bring fun and thrills for all generations with attractions for purposes of entertainment that include rides, shows, and games.

There is also a lot that goes into building an amusement park to keep the thrills high and the safety even higher. In addition, many types of theme park and carnival amusements keep innovating like most things in our society. The first historical reference amusement ride came around in the 1880s in the form of a carousel found at Dreamland Margate in England. The ride that was in the form of a ship and would pitch daring thrill seekers up and down like they were at sea.

Today, the level of entertainment is far more demanding of adventure and reality. Amusement entertainment continues to evolve through all types of animatronics, interactive screens, alternative realities, and physical adventure. This also requires a great deal of imagination and innovation backed by science and engineering to keep the audience captivated throughout the experience. This is also where Interface plays a significant part in amusement adventure testing and safety monitoring.

Critical in designing and building amusement park rides and other entertainment features is the application of force sensing before, during and after production. When you think about the different variables that go into building a roller coaster, you often think about velocity, drag, and gravitational energy. Factors that also play a massive role are weight, torque, and force. There are no exceptions to accuracy when measuring and evaluating these factors. It requires precision measurements from quality sensor technologies.

Interface load cells, torque transducers, and instrumentation are used in all types of entertainment and amusement applications. The reasons are apparent, it is because quality, safety, and durability matters. It also defines the believability and exhilaration of the experience. Our products are used in the engineering and design of amusement rides, as well as testing a myriad of components for these types of systems and apparatus. In addition to testing force to ensure an amusement park ride meets standards before it is available to the public, our load cells are utilized as embedded sensors to ensure the rides are working properly in use. The real-time feedback in testing and during use provides makers and engineers vital data to demonstrate adherence to many safety regulations and requirements needed for these types of systems in the entertainment industry.

Interface has provided sensors technologies to makers of all types of amusement park rides and forms of carnival-like entertainment. Our load cell and instrumentation devices are used to provide measurements of force for ground-level rides, twirling rides, roller coasters, railroad and transportation experiences, water rides, Ferris and rotational wheels, and about anything that spins or lifts you off the ground.

In addition to amusement park rides, Interface has helped to supply accurate and reliability force solutions for the following applications that found throughout the amusement park experience.

Amusement Animatronics and Robotics

To ensure maximum effect, quality of product development, and safety regulations, entertainment product makers use force testing and monitoring in wide variety of entertainment-related applications. Not only is this at the early stage of testing, but through the equipment’s life cycle. Continuous measurement using load cells and other sensor devices is key to the successful launch and use across all type of entertainment sectors. Another growing use case for force and torque measurement is automation of equipment and robotics, including simulation environments and animatronics.

Touch Screen Testing for Venus Displays

Monitors and displays are commonly used in all types of entertainment and amusement venues. From ticketing to directional aids, these touch screens are used by consumers with varying forces. The testing of the material durability to withstand the touch, as well as environmental conditions, packing and shipping, set-up and long-term wear is critical for those that design, manufacture, and supply this type of equipment. Entertainment has been using big screens for decades, the smaller and more mobile touch pads require rigorous test and measurement before putting them into use, not only for quality of product but also for consumer use and safety. Interface supplies load cells and instrumentation for testing forces of the glass, display housing, stands, rigging and inserts for all types of touch screens and LED screens.

Entertainment Component Manufacturing 

Interface has been designing and building a variety of sensors for more than five decades that have been used in a variety of entertainment applications. More than ever, today we understand it is imperative that sensor solutions meet the needs of smart use cases, pushing innovation and solve modern design and testing challenges. This particularly applies to the constantly evolving global entertainment and amusement industry. Interface offers a broad range of force measurement products for testing, monitoring, and embedding sensors into products and components supplied to the industry. This includes our load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, miniature load cells, digital instrumentation, wireless and Bluetooth telemetry systems, and custom force measurement devices for OEM applications.

These are just a few examples of how Interface helps create the experience you will find at amusement parks, but there is so much more we are able to assist with to ensure product quality and safety.

To learn more about other entertainment industry applications, read more here.

Entertainment-Brochure

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Entertainment and Amusement Industry Solutions

Entertainment LED Screens

Gaming Hardware Benefits from Force Measurement Solutions

 

Weighing Your Options Webinar

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Interface force measurement experts detail solutions used for all types of weighing and lifting applications. We discuss sensor models, capabilities, features and tips using various load cells, load pins, shackles, tension links, weighcheck systems and instrumentation. Learn about use cases, FAQs, measurement applications, options for harsh environments and OEM products. If you are exploring quality measurement solutions that provide high accuracy and reliability for scales, cranes, lifting equipment or tools, join us.

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Interface Solutions for Lifting Applications

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Lifting is the action of raising an object to a higher level or moving an object to a different position. Tension load cells accurately measure forms of lifting, as they measure pulling by design. Choosing the right sensor for this type of measurement requires consideration of the size of object that is lifted, and mechanism used in the act to create the lift. Read more in our latest case study Cranes and Lifting.

Often large capacity load cells are used in industrial equipment, cranes, forklifts, rigging, and even aircraft testing equipment to measure forces applied in heavy lifting and for load monitoring, as well as to maintain accuracy in movement. Larger capacity load cells can range from 10,000 to million lbf, or even larger. Rugged load cells are frequently selected for this type of equipment to sustain harsh environmental conditions for both testing and during real-time use.

Smaller capacity load cells, such as s-types and miniature beams, measure the lift action in machines, medical equipment, packaging, robotics, drones and moving equipment. In all circumstances, force measurement sensors help product engineers and manufacturers improve safety and the quality of products they build. They are versatile and easily integrated into machines and components.

Beyond the measurement specifications, other top feature considerations when selecting the right sensor include weight of the sensor, requirements for overload protection, enclosures and ruggedized material used to construct the device, signal outputs for data, cabling, or wireless functionality, mounting or clamping, and instrumentation for data acquisition.

For measurement in lifting applications, Interface products provide the industry’s most accurate and reliable data available through force measurement sensors. Products we provide for lifting include multi-axis sensors, load washer load cells, low profiles, miniature load cells, load shackles, load pins, tensions links, instrumentation, and torque transducers.

The following are examples of products we supply for lifting equipment and use cases.

AERIAL BOOM LIFT OPERATION


A manufacturer aerial lifts wants to test its self-propelled boom platform to ensure it can operate at heavy capacities when in use, and at different angles. This testing is vital for safety and protecting operators as well as those at the site of where equipment is in use. The sensors help to prevent any accidents in case of a lifting overload. The Interface application engineers recommends the multi-axis 3AXX 3-Axis Force Load Cell model 3A160 to capture the required data for monitoring in real-time. Paired with the 920i Programmable Weight Indicator and Controller, the operator had accurate information when using the equipment.

AIRCRAFT LIFTING TEST RIG

 

An aerospace manufacturer is looking to accurately measure the valves in their aircraft lifting test equipment. Interface’s solution is to install a 1200 High Capacity Standard Precision LowProfile™ Load Cell in between the aircraft testing rig and the lifting jack. The load cell will measure the load’s force safety valve when the lifting equipment opens. Results will be sent to the 9890 Strain Gage, Load Cell, & mV/V Indicator, where the customer can see it displayed in real-time. 

LIFTING HEAVY OBJECTS


In this common use case, a customer needs to measure the load when using a crane to move heavy construction materials around the work site. This includes monitoring the weight of these objects as they are lifted in the air. It was critical that the device offer high accuracy readings and also work within the equipment already in place. Key is the instrumentation capabilities to provide wireless outputs. Interface recommends using our WTSSHK-B Wireless Load Shackle connected in crane load string to measure forces. Model WTS-BS-1-HA Battery Powered Handheld Display is used to wirelessly receive load information and display results.

Read more about these types of lifting applications in our new case study.  If you need help in deciding which product works best for your lifting application, contact us.

Cranes and Lifting Case Study