Robot Finger Sensor

Description

Does your robot crush objects with its hulkishly strong grip? Give your robotic hand or claw a better sense of touch with the Robotic Finger Sensor.

The Robotic Finger Sensor (RFS) uses a unique combination of infrared distance sensing, optical encapsulant and data filtering to detect extremely light touches. Additionally, the silicon covering is squishy, giving the sensor increased grip (friction) and a qualitative sense of force; the sensor can’t output a quantitative number like 2.7 lbs of force, but it does output an increasing IR value indicating additional compression of the encapsulant.

How does it work? In short, IR light from the VCNL4040 distance sensor dramatically scatters when an object like a white coffee cup or human skin comes in contact with the face of the sensor. The example firmware demonstrates how to capture this signal and turn it into ‘Touch’ and ‘Release’ events.

The RFS requires 3.3V and communicates over I²C. The connector is compatible with our Qwiic system. The Qwiic system enables fast and solderless connection between popular platforms and various sensors and actuators.

Features

• Dimensions: 16x18x8mm
• Weight: 1.6g

Package content

• Robotic Finger Sensor
• 8" 4-Pin JST cable with bare wire termination