Universal Robots with ATI’s F/T Sensors Just Feels Right

Six-Axis Force/Torque (F/T) sensors from ATI Industrial Automation deliver the highest accuracy, precision, and reliability in a compact and durable package. F/T sensors are comprised of a rugged transducer body that is mounted between the robot flange and end-of-arm tooling.

ATI’s F/T sensor systems capture and convert mechanical loads upon all axes into forces and torques, providing real-time feedback from the process. The output of force/torque sensing is viable data that can be used to verify product specifications, execute complex tasks, and even provide better control of robotics systems. The ability to obtain feedback from force and torque loads as the process is occurring gives programmers a better vantage point. F/T sensors make robotic and automated processes more acute and responsive—as if they have a sense of touch.

ATI’s F/T sensors come in a variety of sizes to accommodate a range of payloads and offer many different interface options to suit your application environment. Unlike capacitive or optical sensing products, ATI’s intelligent use of silicon strain gages within the transducer body enable high overload protection. Stiffness with high resolution ensures the sensor will provide extremely precise data without flexing under load. These features give users confidence in the quality of the data and give a comprehensive look at all forces acting upon the process.

Force sensing technology breaks open scores of new possible applications for robotics and automation, especially where high precision is required. For example, an assembly process where feedback from the F/T sensor provides insight into the process to guarantee the correct orientation and insertion of the connector. In another part-finishing application, the F/T sensor enables programmers to monitor and control the amount of pressure applied to the parts.

The latest addition to ATI’s F/T product family is the Axia80. This new, high-performance, low-cost offering maintains the high quality and accuracy found in all ATI F/T Products, but features built-in electronics to reduce the system’s footprint.

The Axia80 is compatible with all UR Robot Models and is available as a complete sensing package through the UR+ online showroom. The ATI URCap plugin enables an integrated communication interface between the ATI F/T sensor and the UR controller, providing programmers with easy access to the force/torque measurements collected at the robot TCP. This capability also enables users to program and control the sensor and robot from a simple intuitive touch screen.