TIAs Net F/T Sensor System puts six-axis F/T measurement onto industrial networks
Article Type: New products From: Industrial Robot: An International Journal, Volume 36, Issue 2
TIA Robotic Tooling Solutions has just released ATI Industrial Automation’s Net F/T Network Force/Torque Sensor System (Figure 3). ATI is the largest supplier of six-axis force/torque sensors in the world, providing solutions ideal for robot end effectors and other automation or research applications. Six-axis force/torque sensors give robot arms a human-like sense of touch,allowing intricate and delicate applications not otherwise attainable. Sensor feedback allows the robot to maintain a constant contact force on workpieces even if they have irregular or unknown contours. Applications include seat testing or other controlled fatigue situations, robotic part insertion, constant force deburring, polishing, and grinding, force/torque feedback for manipulators in nuclear environments and physical rehabilitation research.
The new Net F/T Sensor System allows easy integration of robots using these sensors into industrial networks; it features both EtherNet/IP™ and CAN bus communications interfaces, with standard Ethernet compatibility. These interfaces obviate the need for any external data collection hardware and allow connection of multiple Net F/T systems to one network. Maximum flexibility is assured through the Net F/T system’s availability with all of ATI’s Force/Torque Transducer models. These include IP67 rated sensors for hygienic and wet applications.
The Net F/T system delivers the high-speed vital to these realtime force control applications, with output rates to 7,000 Hz for six axes of measurement over Ethernet using UDP. A web browser allows viewing and changing of system settings, making remote configuration and monitoring simple. An easily accessible Java™ demonstration application provides a graphical view of six-axis measurements in real time. Programmable threshold monitoring of force and torque status through the browser allows immediate response to critical process conditions. LED indication of system status is also featured. Multiple transducer calibrations can be permanently stored and selected.
