COMPONENT SOURCING
Source sensing components around the information your robot needs to act. Explore cameras, depth sensing, LiDAR, and feedback devices for perception, inspection, navigation, and manipulation projects.
COMPONENT OPTIONS
Explore Sensing Options
Cameras & Depth Sensing
Describe whether the task needs visual inspection, object recognition, or distance information. Share the working distance, field of view, lighting, and target objects to guide camera and depth-sensor evaluation.
LiDAR & Range Sensing
For navigation and mapping projects, outline the space the robot must observe, the mounting position, and the update rate your application needs. Include reflective surfaces, outdoor exposure, and other environmental constraints.
Force, Torque & Position Feedback
For contact tasks and controlled motion, identify where measurements are needed: the wrist, tool, joint, or another location. Define expected loads, measurement direction, and the controller receiving the signal.
APPLICATION FIT
What to Compare Before You Source
Use the requirements below to make supplier discussions more focused and compare options against the same brief.
Start with the sensing task
Identify what the robot must detect or measure and what decision the data supports. A navigation sensor and an inspection camera may need very different evaluation criteria.
Define the operating environment
Include lighting changes, dust, moisture, vibration, temperature, and nearby obstacles in the request. These details help narrow the review before discussing individual devices.
Map the data path
Share available connectors, communication protocols, power, compute capacity, and software requirements. Include synchronization and latency targets when relevant to your workflow.
Plan validation
Describe how performance will be checked on representative objects and in the intended environment. Ask for the available documentation and integration resources needed for that evaluation.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Build Your Sourcing Brief
A useful request connects the component to the job it needs to do. Include what you know and flag the requirements you are still defining.
- Target objects, surfaces, or measurements
- Range, accuracy, resolution, and update-rate targets
- Mounting space, power supply, and cable constraints
- Required data interfaces, software environment, and quantity
COMMON QUESTIONS
Robot Sensors, Vision & LiDAR FAQs
How do I choose between a camera, depth sensor, and LiDAR?
Start with the information the application needs rather than the sensor label. Describe the task, environment, working distance, and required output. Those requirements provide a basis for comparing sensing approaches.
Can you help source a replacement sensor?
Share the existing part number or datasheet, connector details, mounting dimensions, and the reason for replacement. Include the robot or controller configuration so the review can address both physical fit and integration.
What is needed to assess sensor compatibility?
Mechanical mounting, power, interfaces, data formats, and software support all need review. Provide the platform documentation and describe any changes you can make to the current system.
Explore Related Components
Plan connected requirements across the robot, rather than reviewing each component in isolation.