Below is a list of the most commonly used sensors in industrial robots.

Two-dimensional vision sensor

Two-dimensional vision is a camera that can perform a variety of tasks, from detecting moving objects to positioning parts on a conveyor belt. Many smart cameras can detect parts and assist the robot in determining their position, and the robot can adjust its actions appropriately based on the information it receives.

3D vision sensor

A 3D vision system must have two cameras or laser scanners at different angles to detect the third dimension of the object. For example, part picking and placing is the use of three-dimensional vision technology to detect objects and create three-dimensional images, analyze and select the best way to pick.

Moment sensor

If vision sensors give robots their eyes, force/moment sensors give robots their sense of touch. The robot uses a force/moment sensor to sense the force of the end-actuator. In most cases, the force torque sensor is located between the robot and the fixture, so that all the forces fed back to the fixture are monitored by the robot. With the force torque sensor, applications such as assembly, manual guidance, teaching, and force limitation can be realized.

Collision detection sensor

Such sensors come in a variety of different forms, and their main application is to provide a safe working environment for operators, where they are most needed by collaborative robots. Some sensors can be some kind of tactile recognition system that senses pressure through a soft surface, sends a signal to the robot, and limits or stops the robot's movement. Some sensors can also be built directly into the robot. Some companies use accelerometer feedback, while others use current feedback. In both cases

When the robot senses an abnormal force, it triggers an emergency stop to ensure safety.

In order for industrial robots to collaborate with each other, the first step is to find ways to keep workers safe. These sensors come in various forms, from cameras to lasers, and are designed to tell the robot what's going on around it. Some safety systems can be set up so that the robot automatically slows down when a person is in a certain area/space, and stops working if the person continues to approach. The simplest example is the laser safety sensor on the elevator door. When the laser detects an obstacle, the elevator door will immediately stop and retreat to avoid a collision.

Other sensors

There are also many sensors available for different applications. Such as weld tracking sensors.

Tactile sensors are also growing in popularity. This type of sensor is generally installed on the gripper to detect and feel what the grasping object is. The sensor is usually able to detect the force and get a distribution of the force so that it knows the exact position of the object, allowing you to control where to grab and how hard to grab the end effector. There are also tactile sensors that can detect changes in heat.

Vision and proximity sensors are similar to those needed for autonomous vehicles and include cameras, infrared, sonar, ultrasound, radar and lidar. Multiple cameras can be used in some situations, especially stereo vision. Using these sensors in combination, the robot can determine the size, identify the object, and determine its distance.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) sensing can provide identification codes and allow licensed robots to access other information.

Wind (acoustic sensor)

Help industrial robots receive voice commands and recognize unusual sounds in familiar environments. If the piezoelectric sensor is added, the noise caused by vibration can also be identified and eliminated, avoiding the robot's misinterpretation of voice commands. Advanced algorithms can even let the robot understand the speaker's emotions.

Temperature sensing is part of the robot's self-diagnosis and can be used to determine its surroundings and avoid potentially harmful heat sources. Using chemical, optical and color sensors, robots are able to assess, adjust and detect problems in their environment.

Stability is a major concern for humanoid robots that can walk, run and even dance. They require the same type of sensors as smartphones in order to provide accurate location data for the robot. In these applications, 9-degree of freedom (9DOF) sensors with 3-axis accelerometers, 3-axis gyroscopes, and 3-axis magnetometers are used or inertial measurement units (IMUs).

Sensors are the key components of software intelligence. Without sensors, many complex operations cannot be realized. They not only implement complex operations, but also ensure that these operations are well controlled during the process.