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  3. Robotics and AGV's

Robotics and AGV's

In the robotics and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV's) industry, sensors play a pivotal role in enabling precise control, navigation, and safety. At Althen Sensors & Controls, we understand the critical role that sensors play in empowering these industries, enabling machines to perceive and interact with their environment effectively.

Sensors for the robotics and AGV's industry

These sensors, including linear and rotary potentiometers, static torque sensors, gyroscopes, and force sensors, play indispensable roles across diverse industries, enabling precise measurements, control, and feedback crucial for enhancing efficiency, safety, and functionality in various applications. Althen Sensors & Controls offers a range of high-quality sensors tailored for these applications, ensuring reliable performance and accurate data acquisition in demanding environments. Explore our range of sensors tailored for robotics and AGV's, and unlock the potential for enhanced efficiency, safety, and precision in your automation endeavors.

  • A-Class Quality
    the sensors are light weight and reliable.
  • Custom made
    we offer custom made design-in sensors that fit perfectly.
  • In-house prototyping
    with relatively short lead times.
  • Call of orders
    guaranteed short lead times for serial production

Products for robots and AGV's

Linear potentiometers

Linear potentiometers

  • Measurement range 10 mm to 1.000 mm
  • Compact in size and light in weight
  • Conductive plastic or wirewound
Rotary potentiometers

Rotary potentiometers

  • Measuring range 360° to 3.600°
  • Various options in measurement principle
  • Motion control & position determination
Reaction torque sensors

Reaction torque sensors

  • Measuring range 0.01 to 50.000 Nm
  • Excellent non-linearity
  • Perfect for measuring static torque
Standard gyroscopes

Standard gyroscopes

  • Measuring range 10 to 50 in/sec
  • Rugged and corrosion resistant
  • Internally integrated to velocity

A comprehensive range of sensors

Linear potentiometers are often employed in robotics and AGVs for position feedback in linear motion systems, such as in robotic arms, grippers, or in AGVs to monitor extension and retraction of components.

Static Torque Sensors in robotics are utilized for ensuring proper torque in joint movements and manipulators. In AGVs, these sensors help maintain stability and control during acceleration, deceleration, or lifting operations.

Gyroscopes are critical in robotics and AGVs for orientation sensing, motion control, and navigation. In robotics, gyroscopes aid in maintaining balance, stability, and orientation, enabling robots to adjust movements based on changes in their position. For AGVs, gyroscopes assist in accurate navigation, allowing them to adapt to changes in terrain or direction, ensuring precise movement and avoidance of obstacles.

Force sensors are essential in both robotics and AGVs for tasks requiring force feedback and control. In robotics, force sensors aid in delicate tasks such as object handling, assembly, or collaborative operations, ensuring controlled and gentle interactions. For AGVs, force sensors help in tasks like load handling or docking, allowing precise force application and ensuring secure connections or picking and placing of items.

Just a few related sensors

Popular products for robotic applications

13FLP Series Linear Potentiometer

  • Measuring range 12 mm to 100 mm
  • Resistance value 500 Ω to 20 kΩ
  • Miniature conductive plastic model
Datasheet View product

10HP Multi-turn Potentiometer

  • Measuring range 3, 5 or 10 turns
  • Small wirewound potentiometer
  • Independent linearity ±0.35% to ±0.1%
Datasheet View product

46HD Multi-turn Potentiometer

  • Measuring range 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 turns
  • Resistance range 10Ω -20kΩ to 50Ω -200kΩ
  • 46 mm outer diameter
Datasheet View product

FSCB22A Sinus Cosinus Potentiometer

  • Measuring range: 360°
  • Precise 360° sine/cosine output
  • Multiple diameters available
Datasheet View product

ALF255 Miniature Load Cell

  • Miniature diaphragm loadcell
  • Measurement range: 10kg, 20kg, 40kg, 80kg, 160kg, 320kg, 640kg
  • Tension, compression and bi-directional
Datasheet View product

FCP50A Single-turn Potentiometer

  • 51mm outer diameter
  • Servomount type with ball bearings
  • Various special specifications available
Datasheet View product

Tailored to the specific needs

These sensors collectively enable robotics and AGVs to operate autonomously, navigate environments, interact with objects, ensure safety, and perform tasks with precision. Althen Sensors & Controls provides a diverse range of high-quality sensors tailored to the specific needs of the industry, ensuring reliability, accuracy, and efficiency in automated systems. 

There are also other specific sensors present in robots and AGVs. For example, vision and light-based sensors (e.g. cameras and LiDAR sensors). Which enable tasks such as object recognition, inspection, and precise movements based on visual and ligt inputs. Ultrasonic sensors are used to avoid collisions or for moving in confined spaces, for example. Gas, temperature, humidity, and chemical sensors are also commonly used to detect, inspect, and optimise conditions. 

By using Althen's sensors, it was possible for us to build a compliant system that can measure external influences through sensors for the very first time. Now we can respond to external input and imbalance. We are able to provide the first self-balancing exoskeleton in the world. Althen proved to be a highly competent and reliable expert that isn't afraid of that extra mile.
Project March

Robotic projects

Discover some of our robotic projects

The future of sensors for robotic and AGV's applications

Advancements in sensor technology will focus on enhancing autonomy, precision, adaptability, and safety in these industries. Future sensors are expected to integrate multiple functionalities within compact designs, enabling more sophisticated perception systems. Innovations in AI-driven sensor fusion will allow machines to process vast amounts of data efficiently, enabling quicker decision-making and improved real-time response. Additionally, sensors will likely become more robust, reliable, and cost-effective, fostering wider adoption across industries. Emerging technologies such as quantum sensors, improved LiDAR systems, tactile sensors, and advanced imaging techniques will further propel the evolution of robotics and AGVs, enabling them to navigate complex environments, interact more intuitively with objects, and perform a broader range of tasks with unparalleled precision and efficiency. These advancements promise to reshape the landscape of automation, driving the development of smarter, safer, and more versatile robotic and AGV systems.

Empowering robotic and AGV applications

In the robotics and AGV industry, sensors collectively enable machines to interact intelligently with their environment, offering precise control, accurate navigation, and enhanced safety measures. Discover how Althen Sensors & Controls provides a comprehensive range of these sensors, ensuring robustness, accuracy, and reliability to meet the demands of these rapidly evolving industries, ultimately contributing to increased efficiency and performance in automated systems

Also joysticks for robots and AGV's

Althen Sensors & Controls offers a comprehensive range of industrial joysticks meticulously designed for the precise control and operation of robotics and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). Our industrial joystick solutions are engineered to meet the stringent demands of these dynamic industries, providing ergonomic design, robust construction, and precise control functionalities. These joysticks are tailored to facilitate intuitive and accurate manipulation of robotic arms, grippers, and various AGV systems, allowing operators to navigate, position, and maneuver equipment with unparalleled accuracy and responsiveness. With a focus on durability and reliability, our industrial joysticks are equipped with advanced sensor technology, ensuring optimal performance and enduring functionality in challenging industrial environments. Whether for intricate robotic tasks or agile AGV operations, Althen Sensors & Controls' industrial joysticks are poised to optimize control, enhance efficiency, and contribute to the seamless automation of diverse applications across industries.

What is your robotic or AGV measurement and sensor challenge?

Please contact us for more information.

Hessel Tijseling

Technical Sales Engineer