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This paper aims to propose a type of T-shaped two-axis force sensor for measuring the forces in x- and z-axes. The developed sensor has a simple structure and can be effectively assembled into compact devices.

A T-shaped plate, with both ends fixed on a base, is used as the substrate of the sensor. Eight strain gauges are placed in the root of the plate or near the sensor head, which can construct two full Wheatstone bridges on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate. When the x- or z-axes forces are applied to the sensor head, different deformation can be generated to the strain gauges. Therefore, the two Wheatstone bridges can be constructed with a different configuration for measuring the forces in x- or z-axes, respectively.

A prototype was designed and constructed and experiments were carried out to test the basic performance of the sensor. It has been verified that the developed sensor could measure the x- and z-axes forces independently with a high resolution of 2.5 and 5 mN, respectively.

Only one thin plate was used in the design, the forces in x- and z-axes could be measured independently and simultaneously, which made the sensor with a simple structure and compact size. Experiments were also verified that there was no crosstalk error occurred in one axis when the force was applied to the other axis.

Describes the history and development of biosensors and their commercial application.

Provides background information on different forms of biosensors and how they can be brought to market. This review is edited from a very detailed market research report “Medical and Biological Sensor and Sensor Systems: markets, applications and competitors worldwide”.

Finds that the commercial potential for biosensors is very large and is expected to reach US$ 2.3 billion worldwide in 2005.

The full market research report provides a detailed insight into biosensors and how they are made and the various application areas, together with discussion regarding a large number of vendor and research companies.

This paper aims to design a new full‐body tactile sensor which is essential for the application of personal service robot similar to human skin.

The largest difficulty for designing a full‐body tactile sensor is the huge number of output connections. The sensor introduced in this paper is a special multi‐layer structure, which could minimize the output connections while sensing both the position and force information. Since it is made of conductive and non‐conductive textiles, the sensor could be used to cover the curved surface of robot body.

With better structure design, output connectors and signal measurement times could be dramatically reduced.

Sensor area and performance are limited by the sensitivity of the measurement circuits.

Introduces an innovate design of full‐body tactile sensor.

The purpose of this paper is to outline the basic principles of inductive position sensors.

The paper explains one company's advances in inductive position technology in detail, together with some of the applications for which they are now suitable.

It is shown that concentrating on high volume applications in market sectors such as automotive, user interfaces, and utility metering, where the low cost of these sensors and their moderate accuracy (typically<1 percent of full scale) offers an attractive price/performance ratio.

An original and useful contribution direct from an international technology consulting, product development, and intellectual property [IP] licensing organisation with a reputation for successfully commercialising emerging science and technology. Which, for more than a decade, has made innovations in inductive position sensors and developed application‐specific sensor systems.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into China's burgeoning sensor industry.

Following an introduction to the Chinese economy and sensor market, this paper considers a number of key sensor applications and technologies and highlights a selection of Chinese sensor manufacturers and their products. It concludes with an overview of the country's sensor research effort.

This shows that China's sensor market is expanding very rapidly and is being served by a fast‐growing community of manufacturers who are producing large numbers of sensors for physical and chemical variables. The automotive sector is one of the leading users of sensors and is aiding China's micro‐electromechanical system industry. China has a large and active sensor research community.

This paper provides an up‐to‐date review of the Chinese sensor industry, illustrating its very rapid, recent growth and huge future potential.

Data acquisition and data fusion of large numbers of sensors present unique challenges for control systems designers and applications engineers alike. In recent years the sensors industry has been moving towards the use of smart sensors, fieldbus networks, and localized smart processes. Merritt Systems Inc. of Rockledge, Florida, has been in the forefront of these developments since 1987 when it started pursuing the development of large sensor networks for robotic obstacle avoidance. As a result of this work a number of unique smart sensors and network technologies have been developed which have a wide range of applications beyond robotics. These include: one of industry’s first smart sensors, smart sensor networks, PC‐based data acquisition and control systems, and novel robotic modelling and motion planning algorithms. Whenever large networks of sensors with mixed sensing media are used, this technology has far‐reaching applications to industry and the research community.

The purpose of this paper is to consider a detailed investigation of transversal magnetic (TM) nonlinear magnetooptical integrated optical sensor. The sensitivities of two sensors are presented. The first sensor composed of a dielectric thin film surrounded by a lossless, nonmagnetic, isotropic cladding exhibiting a local Kerr‐like dielectric nonlinearity, and a magnetic substrate chosen to be an iron garnet. The second sensor is formed by exchanging the cladding and the substrate media of the first sensor. The homogenous sensitivities of both sensors are calculated as a function of the waveguide thickness and the effective refractive index. The effect of nonlinearity on the sensitivities for both sensors is investigated.

The homogenous sensitivities of both sensors are calculated as a function of the waveguide thickness and the effective refractive index. The effect of nonlinearity on the sensitivities for both sensors is investigated. Numerical calculations are performed using the Maple program.

It was found that the sensitivity for the first sensor sensitivity increases with nonlinearity. While the sensitivity for the second sensor is hardly affected by the change of nonlinearity. It was also found that the thickness of the guiding layer is a critical parameter for the sensitivity of the optical sensor with the optimum thickness being just above cut‐off in case of the first structure and at the cut‐off in the case of the second structure.

A detailed investigation of TM nonlinear magnetooptical integrated optical sensor is considered. The two proposed structures are used to investigate the parameters to get the optimal sensitivity, which is an important issue is the sensor design.

The use of fibre optic sensors is a relatively new development but the future applications are enormous

This technical paper aims to provide an overview of thin‐film force sensors, present discussions of various ways these force sensors are used in automated systems, and offer possibilities for future adaptations. Areas of interest are medicine, industry, and consumer products.

Current uses of thin‐film force sensors are presented based on existing prototypes and research. Current research serves as a springboard to identifying ideas for future research and development.

Regarding thin‐film force sensors, finds that, thanks to features of current force‐sensing technology, consumers can expect continued introduction of high‐quality and very realistic “feeling” systems.

Presents novel uses of force sensors and explores ideas for future research.

The purpose of this paper is to review the Automate Show (vision and robotics), The Promat Show (material handling) that run jointly in Chicago, plus the Sensor Expo, with emphasis on the new sensor innovations and applications on display.

The paper draws on in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of sensors of all types at these recent shows.

Sensor suppliers have been busy applying wireless and energy harvesting technology to their devices. Vision suppliers continue to expand the capabilities of the video eye with 3D and other innovations.

System integrators and users have an ever‐growing array of new sensor technologies to answer previously tough application needs. Wireless sensors and innovative vision systems, including 3‐D, offer new answers to material handling and other applications. MEMS commercialization development continues to drive ahead.

Users and system integrators have an ever‐increasing range of innovative sensor solutions to help solve those previously difficult application requirements. For example, adding smart vision to logistic applications makes them faster, more accurate and more autonomous.