Multi-Component FBG-Based Force Sensing Systems by Comparison With Other Sensing Technologies: A Review

A multi-component force sensing system, capable of monitoring multiple components of force terms along x-, y-, and z-axis (F
_x
, F
_y
, and F
_z
) and the moments terms about x-, y-, and z-axis (M
_x
, M
_y
, and M
_z
) simultaneously, has been utilized in a huge variety of automation systems since 1970s. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based sensing systems offer a significant viable with numerous competitive advantages over traditional force sensing systems such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, high sensitivity, larger sensing range, light weight, small size, intrinsically safe in the explosive environments, and multiplexing capabilities. Recently, a number of applications, such as robotic manipulation and robot-assisted surgery, have benefited from the developments in FBG-based force sensing systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of different force transduction principles, state-of-the-art designs, and development methods, as well as their significances and limitations. Meanwhile, some of the significant developments in an FBG-based force sensing technology during the last few decades are surveyed, and current challenges in implementing the FBG-based force sensing technology is highlighted.