Ensuring these systems operate accurately through force and torque testing
Search and rescue missions often require personnel to enter hazardous environments, but some situations are too dangerous. Robotics are needed that can manoeuvre across debris and unpredictable terrain while maintaining control and reliable sensor performance. Ensuring that these systems operate accurately testing is essential for protecting human life and improving mission success.
Engineers were able to evaluate and optimise key performance areas of a search and rescue robot.
Search and rescue missions often require personnel to enter hazardous environments, but some situations are too dangerous. Robotics are needed that can manoeuvre across debris and unpredictable terrain while maintaining control and reliable sensor performance. Ensuring that these systems operate accurately testing is essential for protecting human life and improving mission success.
Interface suggests using multiple force sensors to test the search and rescue robot. The robot’s wheel torque can be measured using a T14 Slip-Ring Shaft Style Rotary Torque Transducer, installed inside of the robot’s wheel alongside the motor. Two ConvexBT Load Button Load Cells are used in the grips of the robotic arm to measure the amount of pressure being applied.
Using multiple Interface force measurement solutions, engineers were able to evaluate and optimise key performance areas of the search and rescue robot. These sensors delivered precise, repeatable data that allowed designers to refine performance, increase stability, and enhance operational reliability in mission-critical rescue environments.
Wheel torque – The robot’s wheel torque is measured using a T14 Slip-Ring Shaft Style Rotary Torque Transducer, installed inside of the robot’s wheel alongside the motor. The T14 is attached to the WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module, which transmits the sensor’s measurements to the WTS-BS-1 Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters, or the customer’s PC through the WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Station.
Grippers – Two ConvexBT Load Button Load Cells are connected underneath a rubber grip pad on both sides of the clamping device. Pressure results are summed using a JB104SS 4-Channel Stainless Steel Junction Box and connected to an additional WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module. The results can be sent to the WTS-BS-5 Wireless Analog Output Receiver Module if an analogue output is needed.
Q1: What is a search and rescue robot?
A: A search and rescue robot is a robotic system designed to enter hazardous or unpredictable environments where human responders might be at risk — such as disaster sites — to assist in locating and helping victims. They are built to navigate debris, rough terrain, and challenging conditions while performing tasks safely.
Q2: What does force measurement mean in robotics testing?
A: Force measurement refers to using sensors — like load cells and torque transducers — to collect precise data on forces and torques during robot operation. This helps engineers evaluate performance, refine stability, and ensure reliable control under real-world conditions.
Q3: What is wheel torque and why is it important for robots?
A: Wheel torque measures the rotational force produced by a robot’s wheel motor. It’s crucial because it tells engineers how well the robot can move across uneven surfaces and react to load changes, which affects traction and speed in rescue settings.
Q4: What are load cells and where are they used in robots?
A: Load cells are sensors that convert mechanical force into electrical signals. In search and rescue robots, they are often placed in grippers to measure how much pressure is applied when grabbing or manipulating objects, ensuring safe interaction without damage.
Q5: What is the purpose of torque transducers?
A: Torque transducers measure twisting force (torque) in rotating components, such as wheels or actuators. This data helps engineers verify that motors and drive systems are delivering the required power for effective movement and load handling.
Q6: How do wireless telemetry systems support robot testing?
A: Wireless telemetry systems send measurement data from sensors like load cells and torque transducers to displays or PCs without cables, enabling engineers to monitor performance in real time during dynamic testing conditions.
Interface Force Measurements Ltd is a UK-based engineering specialist in force, torque, and pressure measurement systems. As the master distributor and technical centre for Interface load cells across the UK, Ireland, the Middle East, and North Africa, we do far more than simply supply products — we design, build, and support complete measurement solutions tailored to customer applications.
Our newly established UK calibration laboratory represents a major investment in UK capability. It enables us to provide comprehensive in-house calibration, testing, and verification services, to our customers. While ensuring every solution we deliver meets the highest international standards. This facility reinforces our commitment to supporting UK industry with precision, reliability, and fast turnaround times.
Working with world-class partners such as Interface, DDM Sensor Solutions, AMTI Force Measurement Systems, GP:50 Pressure Sensors, and XSENSOR Intelligent Dynamic Sensing, we integrate cutting-edge transducers, sensors, and instrumentation into fully engineered systems.
All of our partners share our values of quality, reliability, and customer focus. Whether you need a standard transducer, a custom-designed force measurement system, or complete system calibration and support, Interface Force Measurements provides manufacturer-grade solutions with UK-based technical expertise and service.