Application of Positioning Sensors

To acquire the user’s reaction in haptic systems, a measurement of positions respectively their time derivatives (velocities, accelerations) is necessary. Several measurement principles are available to achieve this. A mechanical inlfuence of the sensor on the system has to be avoided for haptic applications, especially kinaesthetic ones. Consequently this discussion focuses on principles which do not affect the mechanical properties significantly. Beside the common optical measurement principles the use of inductive or capacitive sensors is promising especially in combination with actuator design. This chapter gives an overview about the most frequently used principles, amended by hints for their advantages and disadvantages when applied to haptic systems.