Seiko Epson today announced the development of its S250 series of high-precision force sensors which has sensitivity to do minute work that would require steady hands. The S250 series, set to be rolled out in June has sensory’s capable of tasks that formerly relied on human sensory perception such as polishing and deburring, freeing people from repetitive manual work.

Employing Epson’s proprietary piezoelectric quartz sensing technology, the new force sensors are durable and sensitive, allowing them to accurately and consistently sense minimal amounts of force in six directions. This will allow customers to automate complex manufacturing tasks and will assist in productivity.

With many manufacturers turning to robots as labor shortages and falling birth rates and aging populations hit, innovations like the new force sensor could be the answer needed to step forward in achieving a company’s mission by using robots to improve the way products are manufactured. These sensors enables robots to feel force as limited as 0.1 N,allowing the robots to automate complex tasks such as precisely assembling delicate components.

“The new force sensors are a significant development for Epson and for the manufacturing industry in general,” said Yoneharu Fukushima, COO of Epson’s Robotics Solutions Operations Division. “As a company dedicated to manufacturing innovation, the new sensors help to expand the applications for robots, and bring us a step further towards achieving our goal of creating a world in which robots support people in a wide variety of situations.”