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Robots are integrating into every corner of modern society at an unprecedented speed, from mechanical arms in factories to robotic vacuum cleaners in homes, from surgical tables in hospitals to unmanned delivery vehicles. The key to enabling these robots to “see,” “hear,” and “perceive” their surroundings and make intelligent decisions lies in the various high-precision sensor technologies they are equipped with. As the “eyes” and “nerves” of robots, the development of sensor technology directly determines the level of intelligence of robots.
1. Core Sensor Types and Technologies for Robots
Robot sensors are mainly divided into two categories based on their functions: internal sensors and external sensors.
1. Internal Sensors
Function: Used to detect the robot’s own state, such as position, speed, acceleration, posture, joint torque, etc.
Main Types
Encoders:Known as the “eyes” of servo motors, they provide precise feedback on the position and speed of the motor rotor, which is essential for achieving precise motion control. Photoelectric encoders are the mainstream type.
Inertial Measurement Units:These include gyroscopes and accelerometers, used to measure the three-axis angular velocity and acceleration of an object, thereby calculating its posture (pitch, roll, yaw). They are essential sensors for drones, balance vehicles, and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles).
Torque Sensors:Installed at the joints of robots, they monitor output torque in real-time, enabling force control and compliance control to ensure safe human-robot collaboration.
2. External Sensors
Function: Used to perceive information about the external environment and interaction objects, which is key to robot intelligence.
Main Types
Visual Sensors:The “eyes” of robots. This includes 2D/3D visual cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), depth cameras, etc.
Force Sensors:Installed at the robot’s wrist or tool end, they accurately sense the forces and torques during contact with the external environment, used for precision assembly, polishing, scientific experiments, etc.
Tactile Sensors:These mimic human skin, sensing pressure, sliding, texture, etc., and are key technologies for the next generation of humanoid robots and precision operations.
Environmental Sensors:Such as microphone arrays (hearing), temperature and humidity sensors, gas sensors, etc., allowing robots to adapt to more complex environments.
Orbbec
Orbbec was established in 2013, focusing on the design, research and development, production, and sales of 3D visual perception products. Its main products include 3D visual sensors, consumer-grade application devices, and industrial-grade application devices. The company continuously incubates and expands new series of 3D visual perception products, achieving several representative commercial applications in markets such as biometrics, robotics, 3D scanning (3D printing), AIoT, and industrial 3D measurement, becoming one of the important suppliers of 3D visual sensors globally.
Hesai Technology
Hesai Technology (NASDAQ: HSAI) is a leading global developer and manufacturer of LiDAR, with products widely used in passenger and commercial vehicles supporting Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), as well as in autonomous vehicles and various robotic applications.
Hesai integrates the manufacturing process of LiDAR into the R&D design process, promoting rapid product iteration while ensuring high performance, high reliability, and low cost. The company has outstanding R&D capabilities and deep technical accumulation in core areas of optics, mechanics, and electronics, and its LiDAR products have been successfully validated in the market.
Kunwei Technology
Changzhou Kunwei Sensor Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2018 and is a high-tech enterprise dedicated to providing high-precision tactile sensors (six-dimensional force sensors) and force control solutions. The company focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, sales, and technical promotion of intelligent tactile sensors, developing tactile sensor products for the robotics and other intelligent equipment industries, providing tactile measurement solutions and related products for robots and other intelligent equipment, industrial process monitoring, product quality inspection, scientific testing and measurement, etc.
ChipMotion
Anhui ChipMotion Micro System Co., Ltd. was established in 2012. Based on its industry accumulation in semiconductors, ChipMotion has developed unique micro-nano structural designs, adopted advanced MEMS processes, and implemented unique packaging solutions and modern management models, integrating integrated circuits with traditional high-end inertial industries, promoting the development of inertial sensors, pressure sensors, and other sensors towards intelligence, miniaturization, ease of use, localization, and IC integration.
Since its establishment, the company’s products have been widely used in industrial production, industrial equipment monitoring and maintenance, automotive driver assistance, meteorological monitoring, oil exploration, measurement and surveying, bridge monitoring, geological exploration, disaster warning, and have received unanimous recognition and bulk orders from customers in various fields. Looking ahead, the company will further explore markets such as autonomous driving and industrial robots, providing smarter, lower-cost, and more miniaturized sensor products and solutions for a wider range of customers.
Yuheng Optics
Changchun Yuheng Optics Co., Ltd. is located in the Changchun National High-tech Industrial Development Zone and is one of the first national high-tech enterprises recognized in Jilin Province. It is a professional manufacturer of encoders, grating rulers, and rotary transformers. In 2019, it was awarded the first batch of national-level specialized and innovative “little giant” enterprises by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and in 2022, it was awarded the manufacturing industry’s single champion demonstration enterprise.
The company has always focused on the R&D and production of displacement sensors and has become a leading enterprise in its niche industry. Its main product, the grating encoder, is widely used in automation fields and is an essential component of control systems, critical sensors in industries such as CNC machine tools, AC servo motors, elevators, metallurgy, major scientific instruments, aerospace, automated assembly lines, robots, and high-end testing equipment, playing a vital role in the upgrading of the equipment manufacturing industry.
BlueDot Touch
BlueDot Touch (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “BlueDot Touch”) was established in 2019 and is a national high-tech enterprise focused on the R&D and application of cutting-edge force control technology for intelligent robots.
As a provider of hardware for robot force sensors, force control algorithms, and industry process algorithms, all core components independently developed by BlueDot Touch have been fully localized, forming a series that includes humanoid robot six-dimensional force sensors, general six-dimensional force sensors, joint torque sensors, and tension-compression sensors.
Benefits/Activities Recommendation
2025
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