Air jets imaging tactile sensing device for automation applications

SUMMARY This paper details the design principles of operation of a pneumatic proximity-to-tactile sensing device for part handling and recognition in a flexible manufacturing environment. The sensing device utilises a densely packed line array of piezoresistive pressure sensors, providing continuous variable outputs. The sensing plane of the device incorporates a corresponding line array of air jets which develop an air cushion when striking a target of interest. The back pressure levels from these air jets form the basis for the task of target detection and recognition.