A force sensor is a transducer that measures the magnitude (and sometimes direction) of an applied mechanical force or torque, typically by converting strain in an elastic element into an electrical signal. Single-axis load cells and multi-axis force-torque sensors give robots haptic awareness of contact and interaction forces. Such measurements are essential for compliant manipulation, assembly, and safe physical human-robot interaction.
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- Force sensors commonly use strain gauges bonded to a compliant structure, with multi-axis units resolving forces and moments along several axes. By closing the loop on contact force, they enable force and impedance/admittance control for tasks like insertion, polishing, and safe collaboration, where position control alone would risk excessive contact forces or instability.