Glossary · Sensors and measurement
Torque sensor
Also known as: Torque transducer, Torque meter
German: Drehmomentsensor
In measurement technology, a torque sensor is a sensor that measures the torque acting on a shaft or joint, as rotating (dynamic) or reaction (static) torque, typically with strain gauges or magnetoelastic principles.
- Sensors
In one sentence
A torque sensor measures the torque on a shaft or joint, for testing, screwdriving, robot joints and drive monitoring.
Example
A torque sensor in a screwdriving station records the tightening curve of every bolt so that faulty joints are rejected.
How it applies
- Engineering: Rotating torque sensors transmit signals contactlessly from the shaft; reaction torque sensors measure on the stationary side. Speed or angle measurement is often integrated.
- Installation: Couplings must avoid bending moments and axial forces on the sensor; misalignment falsifies readings and can damage it.
- Operation: Torque monitoring detects blocking, wear and incorrect assembly. Collaborative robots use joint torque sensing for contact detection; this is part of a designed safety function, not the sensor alone.
- Documentation: Record measuring range, overload limit, calibration and mounting, and give tightening torque tolerances with the measuring method.
Torque sensor vs. force sensor
A torque sensor measures a moment around an axis. A Force sensor measures a linear force. Both often use strain gauges.