AMRs, or Autonomous Mobile Robots, are not your typical robots. They are self-driving, able to navigate their surroundings without a fixed path or direct human control. Their use of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to understand their environment and move around with unparalleled precision and efficiency sets them apart. This unique capability makes them a valuable tool in various industries, particularly logistics and manufacturing.
Several trends in AMR development fuel the need for more testing and measurement across various stages of the AMR lifecycle. The use of load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, instrumentation and wireless systems are on the rise, playing a pivotal role in AMR development and deployment. AMR applications will expand beyond logistics and manufacturing, venturing into healthcare, agriculture, and retail sectors. Specialized AMRs designed for specific tasks within an industry, like disinfection robots in healthcare or shelf-stocking robots in retail, are rising.
AMR Applications Using Interface Solutions
- Gripping Calibration and Safe Object Grasping
- Load Capacity Testing
- Package Weighing
- Center of Gravity (CoG) Detection
- Payload Analysis
- Docking and Alignment
- Overload Detection and Prevention
- Lifting and Stacking Tasks
- Conveyor Belt Integration
- Ramp and Slope Navigation
- Battery Performance Testing
- Long-Term Performance Monitoring
Interface Products Used for AMR Design, Testing, Manufacturing and Monitoring
Interface Load Cells are being used to measure weight and force. AMRs equipped with our Mini Load Cells can precisely determine the weight of objects they’re carrying. This information is crucial for ensuring the AMR is not overloaded and avoids tipping or damaging itself or its surroundings.
Multi-Axis Sensors are valuable when more data can help make better decisions for the AMRs use. Force data in robotics that have continuous movements often need precision to ensure safety and protect the robot. The data from a 3-axis or 6-axis data is best for complex engineering and data analysis. For example, AMRs can help with inventory control and tracking. Interface load cells are also valuable for knowing the exact weight of transported items.
Interface Torque Transducers provide valuable measurement output, which is helpful for AMRs with functions that involve grasping, lifting, and navigation. By measuring the torque applied to a robotic arm, the AMR can ensure a firm but gentle grip on objects it’s handling, preventing damage or dropping. In some cases, AMRs might use torque sensors on their wheels to detect variations in terrain or resistance, helping them navigate uneven surfaces or avoid obstacles.
By continuously testing and measuring performance through various sensors, developers can ensure AMRs are safe, reliable, and adaptable to real-world scenarios, paving the way for wider adoption of this technology.
Overall, the future of AMRs promises a more automated, efficient, and intelligent future for various industries. As technology evolves, AMRs will increasingly significantly transform work processes and create a more collaborative working environment. This requires a strong partner in that understands how sensor technologies support testing, measurement and performance monitoring. Contact us to learn more about Interface solutions.
Practical Engineering Tips to Design In Sensors
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface offers engineering tips to create intelligent solutions that adapt, optimize, and safeguard operations when designing in load cells, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors into equipment, products, and components. The first step is define what you are trying to solve and why you need a measurement sensor in your design. Review 0 helpful questions to guide you in the discovery and solution definition stage.
Measurement Solutions Advance Industrial IoT Success
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface provides high-accuracy measurement solutions for Industrial IoT. Our Wireless Telemetry System (WTS) components drive adoption and innovation in IIoT, from cobot design to smart pallet inventory controls. Load cells, torque transducers, instrumentation, and DAQ systems evaluate force, torque, and weighing data to optimize IIoT in manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and other sectors.
Interface Sensors Steer Construction Machinery Performance
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface measurement solutions provide critical force, torque, and weight data for construction machinery. Interface load cells, torque transducers, load pins, tension load links, and load shackles, contribute to the efficient functioning of these heavy-duty mechanical pieces of equipment. Interface products are used for construction machinery safety protocols, heavy equipment testing, overload monitoring, machine maintenance, and accurate regulatory and compliance data.
How Force Measurement is Driving AMR Innovation
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface force measurement solutions are instrumental across the entire AMR lifecycle, from design and testing to manufacturing and deployment. Autonomous Mobile Robots use data from load cells and torque transducers for measuring performance, machine learning, and safe integration into factories and warehouses. As AMRs find new use cases, Interface sensor technologies help advance innovation through design, testing, prototyping, and manufacturing.
High Accuracy Load Cell Solutions for Trustworthy Scales
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface supplies precision load cells for advanced scale applications. Accuracy is the primary advantage of using Interface load cells over traditional mechanical scales. The strain gage technology used in these sensors ensures a precise measurement of weight, making them a reliable choice for precision scale applications. Engineers use load cell-based weighing systems to advance the precision and quality of scale measurement. Interface load cells are integrated into scale equipment for continuous weight monitoring and play crucial roles in automation, batching, check weighing, process control, and sample testing.
Recap of Precision Machine Building and Automation Webinar
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface’s webinar, Powering Up Precision Machine Building and Automation explores the essential role of sensor technology in today’s industrial landscape. Learn about load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors and instrumenation used testing machines, robotics, IIoT and automation. The recorded event captures key trends, tips, and applications valuable to machine builders, engineers, testing labs, and manufacturers.
The Marvels of Interface Mini Load Cells
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface Mini Load Cells are engineered for use in applications that require a light touch, are lightweight, or require less space. The Interface miniature sensor line offers not just small in physical size load cells and torque transducers, they also have a range to test minimal forces with extremely high accuracy. They are making a big impact in industrial automation, aerospace, automotive and medical device OEM products.
Force Sensors Automate Safety Systems in Industrial Facilities
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface force sensor technologies help modernize industrial facilities by providing valuable data to monitor and improve worker safety. Our load cells, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors are used for overload protection, quality control systems, lockout and alarm systems, equipment monitoring, robot and cobot safety programs, maintenance alerts, and operator safety guides.
Powering Up Precision Machine Building and Automation Webinar
/in Virtual Event /by Jamie GlassInterface’s new webinar explores the world of load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, wireless technologies, and instrumentation used in machine building and automation. Get engineering tips on the latest advancements in sensor technology, including miniaturization, wireless integration, and the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Join us to explore building smarter, more responsive machines.
Do You Call it a Thru-hole, Donut, or Load Washer?
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface Thru-Hole Load Cells and Torque Transducers have a center-hole design that makes them versatile, accurate, and compact measurement solutions. Sometimes referred to as donuts, washers, or through holes, they offer high-precision measurements, ensuring reliable data collection for quality control and performance monitoring tasks. Their compact size allows space-saving installation even in tight areas, making them ideal for applications with limited footprints, like robotic systems or custom machinery.