Force sensing, low-cost manipulator in mobile robotics

The ability to sense tactile feedback is important for many robotic grasping and manipulating tasks. However, common force sensors are expensive. Therefore, we investigate various force measuring principles and review existing sensor concepts for mobile robotic applications. The results lead to a concept of a low-cost, two-finger manipulator with force sensing ability using embedded hall sensors in flexible material. The gripper is produced by rapid prototyping. A calibration method is presented. Furthermore, we evaluate and present the idle state, local sensitivity, and material influence of the two-finger manipulator. As a result, it is possible to successfully handle sensitive objects with the sensitive areas of the fingers, although a bias was measures while handling ferromagnetic materials. With a priori knowledge of the objects, this effect can be compensated.