Top 10 Pneumatic Alternatives

  • RAD Pneumatic Spring-Assist
  • Hypersen HPS-FT120
  • ATI Industrial Automation Robotic Collision Sensors
  • Hypersen HPS-FT060E
  • RAD Pneumatic Stainless Steel
  • Hypersen HPS-FT025
  • RAD Pneumatic High-Angle
  • Hypersen HPS-FT060S
1
RAD Pneumatic Spring-Assist
No reviews yet.

RAD’s Spring-Assist Ultimatic™ Pneumatic Collision Sensor minimizes the potential for costly damage to the robot arm or tooling in the event of a crash and maximizes uptime by automatically returning to within 0.0005″ (0.013mm) of its starting position once it has been separated from the source of the crash.

NOTE: RAD Spring-Assist Ultimatic™ Collision Sensors effectively replace the discontinued EOA MultiClutch Breakaway Safety Devices.

The Spring-Assist Ultimatic™ Collision Sensor is RAD’s patented mechanical collision sensor that:

  • Sends a signal to the system’s E-stop or controller within 4 to 10ms of a collision to minimize costly damage to equipment and/or tooling. RAD’s collision sensor provides protection even if the system itself is not moving.
  • Absorbs the crash energy without loss of air pressure in the collision sensor. Keeping the air in the collision sensor prevents tooling “sag” and eliminates the effects of compressed air being released into the environment.
  • Resets Automatically to within ± 0.0005″ (0.013mm) in X, Y, and Z dimensions and to within ± 0.017º rotationally to maximize uptime and eliminate the need for human intervention.
  • Increases Payload Capacity to nearly double that of RAD’s standard U-4622 with no increase in size
  • Maintains significant resistance even with no air pressure, reducing tooling sag if air pressure is lost
  • Provides angular, rotation and axial (compressive) compliance
  • Allows pneumatic adjustment so the user can easily change the amount of resistance the unit must encounter before signaling a collision.
  • Has a compliance adjustment feature that lets the user determine the amount of deflection allowed before a signal is sent to the robot’s E-stop or controller.

Operating Principle

RAD’s Spring-Assist Ultimatic™ Collision Sensor works by establishing the minimal points of contact required to restrain all degrees of freedom (movement) in normal operation. When a robotic crash occurs, external forces upset this balance thereby allowing angular, rotational or compressive compliance. This motion opens a normally closed switch and sends a signal to your robot’s E-stop or controller.

Note: The Spring-Assist Ultimatic™ Collision Sensor can be used as a compliance (alignment) device rather than a collision sensor by simply mounting the unit without wiring it to the robot. Please see the Compliance Device section for more end-effector compliance options.


2
Hypersen HPS-FT120
No reviews yet.
Product mass 1.45kg

The Hypersen HPS-FT120 is a high-precision force and torque sensor that can measure on three spatial axes of XYZ. It is equipped with a high-performance processor and a 24-bit ADC that provides high signal-to-noise ratio digital output. The sensor is designed with high static overload protection and can output data at a rate of up to 2000Hz.

The sensor has a low zero drift and cross-axis effect, and low temperature drift, which ensures accurate measurements over time. It is available with Ethernet, EtherCAT, and RS-485 communication interfaces, making it suitable for integration into various systems.

The Hypersen HPS-FT120 is designed for use in various applications, such as industrial robots, collaborative robots, factory automation, and other related applications. With a measuring range of ±3000N (Fxy), ±4000N (Fz), ±150Nm (Mxy), and ±150Nm (Mz), it offers a high degree of precision, with a hysteresis of 0.1% (F.S.) and non-linearity of less than 2%.

The sensor is also designed with a protection rating of IP65, ensuring its durability and longevity. It has a low creep of less than 2% and crosstalk of less than 2% (F.S.), and can handle up to 350% overload. With its aerial plug connector and low power consumption of 0.5W, the Hypersen HPS-FT120 is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-precision force and torque sensor.

3
ATI Industrial Automation Robotic Collision Sensors
No reviews yet.

Robotic Collision Sensor Features:

  • High Repeatability: Following a collision, the use of precise locating components enables the Protector to reset to within 0.001 inches of its original position.

  • Generous Range of Motion: During a crash the Protector can comply large distances in response to any type of crash (angular, axial or torsional) thus allowing the robot controller ample time to take corrective action.

  • Rugged Design for Axial Compliance: The rugged design and construction of the Protector, with generous use of hardened tool steel in contact and wear areas, allows the unit to be used as an Axial Compliance Device for end-effectors. The unit can also provide angular and torsional compliance for certain applications.

  • Energy Absorption: The impact energy generated during a crash is absorbed by a pneumatic chamber. This protects the tooling from being damaged by crashes. After absorption, this energy is redirected to automatically reset the device upon removal from the crash-causing object.

  • Consistent Break-away Response: Break-away response is similar at a given pressure independent of whether the crash is angular, compressive axial, or torsional.

  • Flexible Mounting Surfaces: Threaded and through hole mountings are provided for added flexibility. The simple mounting patterns reduce the stack height of the Protector and tooling assembly.

  • Automatic Reset: After a crash, the Protector will self-reset when the robot removes the tooling from the crash situation. This eliminates the need to enter the robot cell to reset the crash protection device.

  • Optional spring provides two trip points: Air pressure may be used to obtain a higher break-away point during high-inertia motion and the optional preset spring only for a lower break-away point. Inquire about the range of preset springs available for each model.

  • Quick-Response Crash Detection: Nuisance tripping of the signal is avoided with the switch set to actuate at 0.020 inches of axial motion. A 3-Pin M8 Connector and cable are used to pass the crash signal.

  • Field-rebuildable design (with prior customer training and special tools).

  • Field-replaceable connector block assembly.

  • IP 65 environmental protection rating (extra cost option).
4
Hypersen HPS-FT060E
No reviews yet.
Product mass 0.255kg

Hypersen's HPS-FT060E is a high-performance force and torque sensor designed to measure forces and torques on three spatial axes of XYZ. It is equipped with a high-performance processor and 24-bit ADC, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection. The sensor has a high SNR digital output and provides a 2000Hz output data rate, which is suitable for high-speed applications. The device has a high static overload protection and can withstand forces and torques up to 350% of its maximum rated measurement range without damage.

The HPS-FT060E has a low zero drift & cross-axis effect, and low temperature drift, which ensures the accuracy of the sensor over time. It is available with Ethernet, EtherCAT, Analog, and RS-485 communication, making it compatible with a variety of applications. The device is suitable for use in industrial robots, collaborative robots, factory automation, and more.

The sensor has a measuring range of ±600N for the Fxy axis, ±800N for the Fz axis, and ±15Nm for the Mxy and Mz axes. The precision of the device is 0.2N for the Fxy axis, 0.4N for the Fz axis, and 0.002Nm for the Mxy and Mz axes. The device has an overload limit of 350% of its maximum rated measurement range for all axes of force and moment measurement. The HPS-FT060E has a protection class of IP65 and a hysteresis of 0.1% F.S. The non-linearity is less than 1.25%, and creep is less than 2%. The signal noise is 0.03N for the Fxy axis, 0.12N for the Fz axis, and 0.001N for the Mxy and Mz axes. The crosstalk is less than 2% F.S. for all axes of measurement. The sensor weighs 255g and has a size of 877828.5mm.

5
RAD Pneumatic Stainless Steel
No reviews yet.

The Stainless Steel Ultimatic™ Collision Sensor is RAD’s patented mechanical collision sensor that:

  • Stops the robot* within 2 to 10ms of a collision to minimize costly damage to the robot arm and/or tooling. RAD’s collision sensor provides protection even if the robot arm itself is not moving.
  • Absorbs the crash energy without releasing the air pressure in the collision sensor. Keeping the air in the collision sensor prevents tooling ‘sag’ and eliminates the effects of compressed air being released into the environment.
  • Automatically resets to within ± 0.0005″ (0.013mm) in x, y, and z dimensions and to within ± 0.017º rotationally to maximize uptime and eliminate the need for human intervention.
  • Resists corrosion and is able to be cleaned due to its stainless steel construction.
  • Offers 8º of angular compliance (please see RAD’s Pneumatic High-Angle Collision Sensor for information on collision sensors with 13º of angular compliance).
  • Allows pneumatic adjustment so the user can easily change the amount of resistance the unit must encounter before signaling a collision.
  • Has a compliance adjustment feature that lets the user determine the amount of deflection allowed before a signal is sent to the robot’s E-stop or controller.

Robotic Collision Sensors provide robot crash protection and safety by mechanically detecting when the robot arm* has encountered an obstruction, absorbing the crash energy, and quickly stopping the robot to prevent costly damage to the robot arm and tooling.

Operating Principle
RAD’s Stainless Ultimatic™ Collision Sensor works by establishing the minimal points of contact required to restrain all degrees of freedom (movement) in normal operation. When a robotic crash occurs, external forces upset this balance thereby allowing angular, rotational, or compressive compliance. This motion opens a normally closed switch and sends a signal to your robot’s E-stop or controller.

Note: The Stainless Steel Ultimatic™ Collision Sensor can be used as a compliance (alignment) device rather than a collision sensor by simply mounting the unit without wiring it to the robot. Please see the Compliance Device section for more end-effector compliance options.


6
Hypersen HPS-FT025
No reviews yet.
Product mass 0.028kg

The Hypersen HPS-FT025 is a high-performance force and torque sensor that can measure force and torque on three spatial axes of XYZ. It is equipped with a high-performance processor and a 24-bit ADC that provides high accuracy and high SNR digital output. This sensor is designed for use in various applications, such as industrial robots, collaborative robots, factory automation, and more.

One of the key features of the HPS-FT025 is its high static overload protection. It can withstand an overload of up to 350% without causing any damage to the sensor. Additionally, it has a low zero drift and cross-axis effect, as well as a low temperature drift, which ensures accurate measurements over time.

The HPS-FT025 has a maximum output data rate of 2000Hz, making it ideal for applications that require real-time force and torque feedback. It is available with Ethernet, EtherCAT, and RS-485 communication interfaces, which makes it easy to integrate into existing systems.

In terms of technical parameters, the HPS-FT025 has a measuring range of ±150N (Fxy), ±200N (Fz), ±4Nm (Mxy), and ±4Nm (Mz). Its precision is 0.05N (Fxy), 0.05N (Fz), 0.001Nm (Mxy), and 0.001Nm (Mz). The sensor has a weight of 28g and a size of 23*26.2mm (diameter). It operates in a temperature range of -10~55°C and consumes only 0.5w of power.

The HPS-FT025 has a protection rating of IP65, which means it is dust-tight and protected against water jets. It also has a hysteresis of 0.1% (F.S.), non-linearity of less than 1%, and creep of less than 2%. The signal noise is 0.05N (Fxy), 0.08N (Fz), 0.001N (Mxy), and 0.001N (Mz), and the crosstalk is less than 1% (F.S.).

Overall, the Hypersen HPS-FT025 is a highly reliable and accurate force and torque sensor that is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. With its high static overload protection, low drift, and fast data output rate, it can provide real-time feedback for various automated processes, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

7
RAD Pneumatic High-Angle
No reviews yet.

The Pneumatic High-Angle Ultimatic™ Collision Sensor is RAD’s patented mechanical collision sensor that:

  • Stops the robot* within 2 to 6ms of a collision to minimize costly damage to the robot and/or tooling. RAD’s collision sensor provides protection even if the robot itself is not moving.
  • Offers a full 13° of angular compliance – 63% more than the original Ultimatic™ Pneumatic Collision Sensor model
  • Absorbs the crash energy without releasing the air pressure in the unit thus preventing tooling ‘sag’ and eliminating the effects of compressed air being released into the environment.
  • Automatically resets to within ± 0.0005″ (0.013mm) in x, y, and z dimensions and to within ± 0.017º rotationally to maximize uptime and eliminate the need for human intervention.
  • Allows pneumatic adjustment so the user can easily change the amount of resistance the unit must encounter before signaling a collision.
  • Has a compliance adjustment feature that lets the user determine the amount of deflection allowed before a signal is sent to your robot’s E-stop or controller.

Operating Principle
RAD’s Pneumatic High-Angle Ultimatic™ Collision Sensor works by establishing the minimal points of contact required to restrain all degrees of freedom (movement) in normal operation. When a collision occurs, external forces upset this balance thereby allowing angular, rotational, or compressive compliance. This motion opens a normally closed switch and sends a signal to your robot’s E-stop or controller.

Note: The Pneumatic High-Angle Ultimatic™ Collision Sensor can be used as a compliance (alignment) device by installing the unit without connecting the sensor switch. Please see the Compliance Devices section for more end-effector compliance options.

8
Hypersen HPS-FT060S
No reviews yet.
Payload 25kg | Product mass 0.502kg

Hypersen's HPS-FT060S is a high-performance force and torque sensor designed for industrial applications. It is capable of measuring force and torque on three spatial axes of XYZ, making it a valuable tool for a variety of industries. The sensor is equipped with a high-performance processor and 24-bit ADC, which ensures a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) digital output, making it suitable for use in demanding industrial environments.

The HPS-FT060S sensor is designed to provide high static overload protection, ensuring reliable and accurate measurement even under challenging conditions. With a 2000Hz output data rate, the sensor can provide real-time measurements, which is particularly useful for applications that require quick responses.

The sensor has low zero drift and cross-axis effect, making it ideal for applications that require precise and accurate measurements. It also has low temperature drift, which ensures that the sensor's accuracy is maintained even in varying temperatures.

The HPS-FT060S is available with Ethernet, EtherCAT, and RS-485 communication interfaces, making it easy to integrate into different systems. The sensor is suitable for use in industrial robots, collaborative robots, factory automation, and other similar applications.

In terms of technical parameters, the HPS-FT060S has a measuring range of ±1000N (Fxy), ±1400N (Fz), ±30Nm (Mxy), and ±30Nm (Mz), with a precision of 0.5N (Fxy), 0.5N (Fz), 0.004Nm (Mxy), and 0.004Nm (Mz). The sensor has a weight of 502g and a size of 877828.5mm, making it compact and easy to handle. It operates within a temperature range of -10~55°C and requires a power supply of 12-24V, consuming 0.5w. The sensor has an external connector type of an anti-fall aviation plug and a protection class of IP65. The sensor has a hysteresis of 0.1(%F.S.), non-linearity of <1.25%, and overload of 350%. The signal noise is 0.04N (Fxy), 0.14 (Fz), 0.001N (Mxy), and 0.002N (Mz), with crosstalk of <2(%F.S).

In conclusion, Hypersen's HPS-FT060S is a high-performance force and torque sensor that is suitable for use in industrial applications. With its high static overload protection, low zero drift, and cross-axis effect, and low temperature drift, the sensor can provide reliable and accurate measurements even in challenging environments. Its high output data rate, communication interfaces, and compact size make it an ideal tool for use in industrial robots, collaborative robots, and factory automation systems.