A Potential 4-D Fingertip Force Sensor for an Underwater Robot Manipulator

The latest generation of underwater robots employ manipulators without force sensors. Accordingly, this paper presents a novel 4-D fingertip force sensor based on an E-type membrane for underwater robot manipulators. Specifically, this sensor is aimed at obtaining the accurate interaction force between underwater robot manipulators and other objects. Moreover, a seal technique and natural pressure compensation for the sensor are also described. The experimental results demonstrate strong linearity, high sensitivity, and weak couplings.