Encoders in Robotics

A Brief Introduction

Today’s robotics perform tasks that humans cannot do or cannot maintain for a long time. Demanding and sometimes dangerous work in hazardous environments. Each joint of the robot is, essentially, almost a full closed-loop, motion system. In each joint,  you will find between 1 to 3 position and speed feedback sensors or Encoders. In more advanced robots like collaborative, humanoids, and medical robots, there will usually be a secondary encoder at the load side, after the gear, for enhanced position accuracy.

The advanced sensory system will enable the robot to react fast and smoothly to any change along the robot arm.

Netzer Encoders’ ability to sensor throughout the complete circle at all times ensures a high accuracy output at high bandwidth allowing tolerant installation.

While motion capability and load are the two main important issues in such robotics, the joints must be as short as possible and therefore as lightweight as possible. Netzer Encoders enable high integration levels close to the motor magnets and on the load side, thus reducing the number of components needed in the joint and, therefore, less size, complexity, and overall cost.

The encoders designed by Netzer Precision are designed for many specialized applications requiring high-precision and accurate positioning in demanding environments. Alongside, the legacy aerospace and space environments, the EMI/EMC durability is a clear advantage for the robotics’ high-integration needs and especially surgical noise durability requirements in the surgical robotics industry.

Do you want to know which absolute rotary encoder best suits your application? Contact our engineers for further information.