Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-gb8f7 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-26T03:23:18.821Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Low cost tactile gripper using silicone rubber sensor array

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2009

Lim Kah-Bin
Affiliation:
National University of Singapore, Mechanical and Production Engineering Department, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, (Singapore) 0511
Chong Yoon-Song
Affiliation:
Mechanical Design Engineer, Process Automation Center, Texas Instruments Singapore (Pte) Ltd, 200 Bedok South Avenue 1, (Singapore) 1646

Summary

A low cost tactile sensor using commercially available conductive silicone rubber has been developed. It comprises a two dimensional array arranged in 3 mm centre-to-centre distance. Each sensor element has a zero-force resistance of about 0.3 kohm and it has a logarithmic characteristic curve of resistance versus force. An 8 × 8 prototype tactile sensor array over an area of 3 cm × 3 cm has been fabricated and mounted on the gripper of a robot for testing and evaluation. The associated software has also been developed. The limitations of the sensor are also discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Kowalski, C., “Silicon Succeds in Touch Sensing” Robotics Today 2932 (04, 1985).Google Scholar
2.Harmon, L.D., “Automated Tactile SensingInt. J. Rob. Res. 1, No. 2, 332 (Summer, 1982).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3.Dario, P. and De Rossi, D., “Tactile Sensors and The Gripper Challenge” IEEE Spectrum 4652 (08, 1985).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Schneither, J.L. and Sheridan, T.B., “An Optical Tactile Sensor For ManipulatorsRobotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing 1, No. 1, 6571 (1984).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
5.Crosnier, J. J., “Grasping Systems with Tactile Sense Using Optical Tibres” Robot Sensors, Vol. 2, Tactile & Non-Vision (Edited by Pugh, Alan) (IFS Publications U.K. 1986).Google Scholar
6.Wise, K.D. and Chun, K.J., “A High-Performance Silicon Tactile Imager Based On a Capacitive Cell” SME Technical Paper No. M584–494 (Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.A., 1984).Google Scholar
7.Vranish, J.M.Magnetoresistive Skin for RobotsProceedings 4th Int. Conf on Robot Vision and Sensory Controls,London, U.K.269284 (10, 1984).Google Scholar
8.Pugh, A. (Editor), Robot Sensors – Volume 2 Tactile and Non-Vision (IFS Publications, UK, 1986).Google Scholar
9.Loy, W.W. and Lim, K.B., “Autonomous Contour Following Using Tactile Sensor On A Microcomputer Controlled Robot” SME Tech Rept No. MM 84–295. (Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.A., 1984).Google Scholar
10.Purbrick, J.A., “A Force Transducer Employing Conductive Silicon RubberProceedings 1st International Conference on Robot Vision and Sensory Controls,Stratfordupon Avon, UK. (04, 1981).Google Scholar
11.Nakamura, Y., Hanafusa, H. and Ueno, N., “A Piezoelectric Film Sensor With Uniformly Expanded Surface to Detect Tactile Information For Robotic EffectivenessProceedings, 85 Int. Conf. on Advanced Robotics Tokyo,Japan,137144 (09, 1985).Google Scholar
12.Dario, P., Bardell, P., Wang, L.R. and Pinotti, P.C., “Touch-Sensitive Polymer Skin Uses Piezoelectric Properties to Recognise Orientation of ObjectsSensor Review 2, No. 4, 194198 (10, 1982).Google Scholar
13.Chong, Y.S., “Tactile Gripper For A Robot” Project Report (Mechanical & Production Engineering Department, National University of Singapore, 1985/1986).Google Scholar
14.Soon, K.L. and Tan, K.H. “Construction of An Industrial Robot” Project Report (Mechanical and Production Engineering Department, National University of Singapore, 1982/1983).Google Scholar