Abstract

Microbending of optical fibers is an attractrive concept in forming a force sensor array. In today's intelligent manufacturing systems, visual sensing technology is well developed. Although vision provides information about object location and shape, when a robot grasps an object, vision can be blocked by its hands. Enhanced grippers and manipulators are needed to apply the appropriate amount of force to the objects being held so as not to drop or crush them in the process. Thus tactile sensors showing human-like touch characteristics are needed for force sensing.

© 1990 Optical Society of America