RIA researches hybrid sensor technology for material handling

Combining multiple sensors delivers better information

By Plant Engineering Staff April 13, 2007

A new study on hybrid sensor technology for material handling applications was recently published by the Robotic Industries Association.

Combining one or more sensing techniques in a synergistic manner, hybrid sensors provide feedback to a robot or another device for the purpose of doing useful work. The data from the multiple sensors is combined in such a way that the resulting information is greater than when the sources are used individually.

“The market for the hybrid sensor in material handling applications appears to be strong,” said John Wright, associate professor of automation and electronics technologies at Millersville University of Pennsylvania , who conducted the research.

Research for the study involved surveying RIA’s membership and focused on assessing the participants’ organizational business type, the extent and usage of material handling operations and technologies in their organization, and the perceived potential value of hybrid sensor technology for material handling operations. Follow-up phone interviews with representative organizations were also performed to aid in the findings.

For more information or to view results of the study, visit www.roboticsonline.com .