How does a multi-axis sensor work? How does a multi-axis sensor work? | HBM

Measuring in 3D: What Can a Six Axis Load Cell Do for You?

If there is a need to measure forces or torques along multiple vector axes in robotics, for example, the use of force-torque sensors is recommended: These sensors simply save a lot of space and installation work in comparison to installing several single-axis sensors. It is especially important to consider "crosstalk" when selecting the right multi-axis force sensor.

A multi-axis sensor (also called a six axis load cell, F/T-sensor, multi-component sensor or multicomponent transducer) measures forces and torques, which occur in more than one spatial direction, as with measurements in x- and y-direction. Some multicomponent transducers can not only measure forces in the corresponding axial direction but also torques acting on the axis. If torques are being determined along with forces, a multi-axis sensor can thus measure up to six components (3xF, 3xT).

Numerous application possibilities

In this way, a single force-torque sensor can perform what is essentially a three-dimensional measurement of physical quantities. This feature makes multi-axis sensors ideally suited for applications that involve determining a multi-dimensional load described in the form of x-, y- and z-vectors. Typical fields of application can be found in robotics and machine monitoring (for example, in aircraft assembly and tunnel boring machines) for limit load monitoring and in various test benches (such as tire testing or balancing machines) for acquiring test specimen data, and also in structural tests of offshore applications.


Minimizing crosstalk

Crosstalk is a problem that typically occurs in measurement tasks involving multiple loads. If a load is applied in one direction only, in principle, based on the physical result of the Poisson effect, there is also a minimum output signal in the other axes due to the transverse sensitivity of the sensor. 

The careful choice of the measuring body geometry and a particularly precise manufacturing process make it possible to minimise crosstalk.