October 5 2015

Robotics Sensors

Raylynn & Cody H

Temperature: A temperature sensor is a device, typically, a thermocouple or

RTD, that provides for temperature measurement through an electrical signal. A
thermocouple (T/C) is made from two dissimilar metals that generate electrical

voltage in direct proportion to changes in temperature.

Voltage:
A device, such as a photoelectric cell, that receives and responds to a signal or s

timulus.
Current: A current sensor is a device that detects electric current (AC or DC) in a
wire, and generates a signal proportional to it. The generated signal could be
analog voltage or current or even digital output. It can be then utilized to display
the measured current in an ammeter or can be stored for further analysis in a

data acquisition system or can be utilized for control purpose.

Distance: A proximity sensor is a sensor able to detect the presence of nearby
objects without any physical contact. A proximity sensor often emits an
electromagnetic field or a beam of electromagnetic radiation (infrared, for

instance), and looks for changes in the field or return signal.

Position: A position sensor is any device that permits position measurement. It
can either be an absolute position sensor or a relative one

(displacement sensor). Position sensors can be linear, angular, or multi-axis.

Force: A Force Sensor is defined as a transducer that converts an input
mechanical force into an electrical output signal. Force Sensors are also
commonly known as Force Transducers. Metal foil strain gauge based
technology facilitates a design of a Force Sensor through the following 'Lehman'

described process by department:

Pressure: A pressure sensor measures pressure, typically of gases or
liquids. Pressure is an expression of the force required to stop a fluid from

October 5 2015

Robotics Sensors

Raylynn & Cody H

expanding, and is usually stated in terms of force per unit area. A pressure
sensor usually acts as a transducer; it generates a signal as a function of

the pressure imposed.

Humidity: A humidity sensor senses relative humidity. This means that it
measures both air temperature and moisture. Relative humidity, expressed as a
percent, is the ratio of actual moisture in the air to the highest amount of moisture
air at that temperature can hold. The warmer the air is, the more moisture it can
hold, so relative humidity changes with fluctuations in temperature.

Light: A Light sensor is used to detect light and create a voltage difference. The
two main light sensors generally used in robots are Photo resistor and
Photovoltaic cells. Other kinds of light sensors like Phototubes, Phototransistors,
CCDs etc. are rarely used.

PH: The most common pH sensor is the glass electrode. It's used in many
industry applications and in a wide variety of fields. The glass-electrode method

has high reproducibility, and it can measure pH of various solutions

Contact: A device which detects objects through physical contact with them.
These sensors may be used in robots, for example, to determine the location,
identity, and orientation of parts to be assembled.

Sound: a device that responds to a physical stimulus as heat, light, sound,

pressure, magnetism, or a particular motion and transmits a resulting impulse as

for measurement or operating a control

Infrared: A passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor) is an electronic sensor that
measures infrared (IR) light radiating from objects in its field of view. They are
most often used in PIR-based motion detectors.