Force Torque Sensors

Force/Torque Sensors for Robotics and Automation: Greater Precision and Process Control in Robots

A force/torque sensor is a key component in modern robotics and automation technology. It measures forces and torques acting on the robot arm, the tool, or directly on the workpiece, thereby providing critical information for precise, controlled, and reliable applications. Force/torque sensors are a key component—especially for sensitive machining, joining, or testing tasks—to ensure that movements are executed not only with positional accuracy but also with force control.

In practice, force/torque sensors for robots are often mounted at the end-of-arm. There, they detect the forces generated during a process and enable the robot system to respond in a controlled manner to contact, resistance, or load. This is precisely what allows processes to be fine-tuned, components to be handled more gently, and machining steps to be automated more reliably.

What is a force/torque sensor?

A force/torque sensor is a sensor system that measures mechanical loads in the form of forces and torques. In robotics, it is usually installed between the robot flange and the tool or gripper. This allows the robot to detect the forces acting during contact with a workpiece, a surface, or an assembly position.

Such a sensor makes the robot more sensitive and precise. Instead of simply following a fixed path, the system can also react to actual process forces. This is particularly important in applications where not only the exact position but also the correct force application is critical.

What are force/torque sensors used for?

Force/torque sensors are used in many areas of industrial automation. They are particularly relevant in situations where robots are required to work with precision, monitor forces, or detect contact in a controlled manner. Typical applications include:

• Assembly and joining processes
• Grinding, polishing, and deburring
• Inspection applications
• Screwdriving and press-fit processes
• Precision part handling
• Quality control
• Human-robot collaboration in specific applications

Especially in processes involving direct contact with workpieces, force/torque sensors ensure that movements can be executed in a more controlled and robust manner.

Advantages of Force/Torque Sensors

A force/torque sensor for robotics offers many advantages. It improves process control, increases accuracy in contact-based tasks, and helps protect workpieces and tools from overload.

Typical advantages include:

• precise measurement of forces and torques
• better process control
• more sensitive robotic applications
• higher quality in joining and machining processes
• lower risk of damage
• better adaptation to real-world process conditions

Especially in demanding applications, a force/torque sensor makes the difference between a purely position-controlled and a truly process-controlled robotic solution.

Force/Torque Sensors as End-of-Arm Components

In the field of end-of-arm accessories, force/torque sensors are particularly important because they operate directly at the interface between the robot and the application. They add an additional sensor level to grippers, grinders, screwdrivers, or other end-effectors, making the entire system significantly more capable.

In this category, you’ll find force/torque sensors for various applications in robotics, automation, and mechanical engineering. The right sensor helps you automate processes with greater precision, sensitivity, and reliability.