Take heed to this text

The brand new PixONE force-torque sensor on an industrial robotic. | Supply: Bota Methods

Bota Methods AG at present launched PixONE, a sensor that brings collectively high-performance electronics with a compact, light-weight design. Based in 2020 as an ETH Zurch spin-off, the corporate makes a speciality of multi-axis force-torque sensors. 

Zurich-based Bota mentioned it designed its newest sensors for “seamless integration into robotic programs.” PixONE encompasses a through-hole structure facilitating inner cable routing to boost robotic agility and security, claimed the firm.

The sensor’s hole shaft design makes it simpler for customers to attach a robotic’s arm and end-of-arm tooling (EOT or EOAT) whereas sustaining the integrity of inner cable routing, mentioned Bota Methods. It added that this design will be significantly useful as a result of many robotic arm producers are transferring towards inner routing to get rid of cable tangles and movement restrictions. 

“Our goal is to equip robots with the sense of contact, making them not solely safer and extra user-friendly, but additionally extra collaborative,” said Klajd Lika, co-founder and CEO Bota Methods. “PixONE is a complicated, OEM-ready sensing resolution that permits robotic builders and integrators to effortlessly improve any robotic in growth with minimal integration effort.”

PixONE minimalist design is light-weight

PixONE has a minimalistic two-piece design. Bota Methods mentioned this simplifies the meeting and considerably reduces the sensor’s weight, making it 30% lighter than comparable sensors available on the market. That is essential for dynamic programs reminiscent of fast-moving robots, the place extra weight can impede efficiency and operational effectivity, it mentioned. 

Bota Methods provides PixONE in varied fashions with an exterior diameter beginning at 2.36 in. (60 mm) and a through-hole diameter of 0.59 in. (15 mm). The sensors embody an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and have a IP67 waterproof ranking. The firm mentioned these options make it appropriate for a variety of operational environments. 

“The PixONE provides the next torque-to-force ratio than comparative sensors with built-in electronics, which supplies integrators extra freedom in EOT design, particularly with bigger instruments,” mentioned Ilias Patsiaouras, co-founder and chief know-how officer of Bota Methods. “PixONE elevates the sensor integration by providing inner connection and cable passthrough, making it preferrred for a large spectrum of robotic purposes, starting from industrial to medical.”

The PixONE configurations can assist payloads as much as 551 lb. (250 kg). Bota mentioned it maintained a uniform interface throughout all fashions to facilitate speedy integration.

The PixONE’s design additionally minimizes exterior connections and element depend, enhancing system reliability, based on the corporate. PixONE makes use of EtherCAT know-how for high-speed knowledge communication and helps Energy over Ethernet (PoE).

See Bota Methods on the Robotics Summit & Expo

Bota Methods is an official distribution and integration companion of Common Robots and Mecademic. In October 2023, it added NEXT Robotics to its distributor community.

That very same month, Bota Methods raised $2.5 million in seed funding. The corporate mentioned it plans to make use of the funding to develop its group to handle rising demand by main analysis labs and manufacturing firms. It additionally plans to speed up its product roadmap.

To study extra about Bota Methods, go to the corporate at Sales space 315 on the Robotics Summit & Expo, which will probably be on Could 1 and a couple of in Boston.

“Our imaginative and prescient is to equip robots with the sense of contact, making them not solely safer and extra user-friendly, but additionally extra collaborative,” Klajd Lika, co-founder and CEO of Bota Methods, instructed The Robotic Report. “We sit up for the Robotics Summit & Expo as a result of it brings collectively the visionaries and brightest minds of the business — this interplay is efficacious for us to form the event of our subsequent technology of revolutionary sensors.” 

This would be the largest Robotics Summit ever. It’s going to embody greater than 200 exhibitors, varied networking alternatives, a girls in robotics breakfast, a profession honest, an engineering theater, a startup showcase, and extra. Registration is now open for the occasion.

Study from Agility Robotics, Amazon, Disney, Teradyne and plenty of extra.