At its core, a robot is a machine that follows instructions with precision. However, without the ability to perceive its environment, its capabilities are fundamentally limited. It cannot feel, adjust, or react to unforeseen changes. OnRobot sensors are designed to solve this exact problem. They provide a new layer of intelligence to automated systems by giving them a sense of touch and vision. These sensors are not just hardware. They are integrated solutions that allow collaborative robots to perform complex tasks that require finesse and adaptability, such as delicate assembly, surface finishing, and intricate quality inspection. For educators and students in robotics and automation programs, OnRobot sensors serve as a critical tool. They bridge the gap between theoretical programming and real-world application, allowing students to develop systems that can dynamically respond to their surroundings. This prepares them for the advanced challenges of modern manufacturing and engineering.
Integrating OnRobot sensors into an educational curriculum allows students to move beyond simple pick-and-place operations and master the principles of adaptive automation. Students develop critical skills in advanced robotic programming, learning how to use force and torque data to guide a robot’s path and actions. This process teaches them about feedback loops, process control, and data-driven decision-making in a physical context. Key applications that can be explored include creating automated surface finishing processes, where the robot maintains constant pressure on a variable surface. They can also design complex assembly tasks where parts are inserted with precision and care. Furthermore, students can build sophisticated quality control systems that use sensor feedback to detect defects, ensuring a level of consistency that is impossible to achieve through manual programming alone. These hands-on applications provide direct experience with the technologies shaping the future of industrial automation.
| Feature | Specification |
| Product dimensions | Varies by model (e.g., HEX-E: Ø98mm x H36.7mm) |
| Product weight | Varies by model (e.g., HEX-E: 0.35 kg) |
| Applicable education levels | High School (CTE), Technical College, University |
| Sensor type | 6-axis Force/Torque (F/T) Sensor |
| Nominal capacity Fx, Fy, Fz | ±200 N (varies by model) |
| Nominal capacity Tx, Ty, Tz | ±10 Nm (varies by model) |
| Single axis deformation Fz | ~1.5 mm |
| Accuracy | High precision for detailed feedback |
| IP classification | IP67 for robustness in industrial environments |
| Communication | Ethernet, supports TCP/IP |
| Software integration | URCap for Universal Robots, plus packages for other major robot brands |
| Mounting | Standard ISO 9409-1 flange for easy integration |
| Key software features | Path recording, force control, hand guiding, special insertion tasks |
| Compatibility | Part of the OnRobot One System Solution, compatible with dozens of robot models |
Aidex is proud to supply OnRobot sensors to learning institutions across the Midwest. We are committed to equipping educators and students in the region with the industry-leading tools they need to succeed in the fields of automation and advanced manufacturing.
Curriculum built around OnRobot sensors covers fundamental principles of industrial automation and robotics. Core topics include force and torque control, where students learn to program robots that can feel and adapt to their environment. It also includes path and sequence recording for tasks like polishing or dispensing, advanced assembly techniques using force feedback for precise part insertion, and data-driven quality control where the sensor is used to inspect and verify products.
The primary audience includes students and educators in career and technical education (CTE) programs, technical colleges, and university engineering departments. These sensors are ideal for any program focused on industrial automation, mechatronics, advanced manufacturing, and robotics. They provide a practical, hands-on tool for teaching the sophisticated skills required in modern industry.
OnRobot sensors are designed for broad compatibility through the OnRobot One System Solution. This unified platform allows the sensors to connect seamlessly with a wide range of robot arms from major manufacturers. Integration is simplified with pre-developed software packages, such as URCaps for Universal Robots, that provide an intuitive interface for programming and controlling the sensor directly from the robot’s teach pendant.
While a basic understanding of the specific robot’s programming language is beneficial, extensive coding expertise is not required. OnRobot’s software is designed to be user-friendly, with graphical interfaces and pre-built functions for common tasks like hand guiding or force-limited movements. This allows students to focus on the strategic application of the sensor rather than getting lost in complex code.
In the real world, these sensors are used across many industries. In automotive manufacturing, they ensure precise and consistent force when fitting parts together. In the electronics industry, they handle delicate components without causing damage. In aerospace, they are used for automated surface finishing and polishing to meet exact specifications, demonstrating the sensors’ value in high-stakes, precision-oriented tasks.
For more information or to contact Aidex, your Authorized Reseller, call 800-251-9935 or email info@aidex.com.
If your wish list isn’t clear, your dreams won’t be either. When you model thoughtful planning for your CTE program, you’re teaching students how to turn their own dreams into reality.
