Difference between a FT300 sensor and the URe

dahonora 2019-04-12

I was wondering what´s the difference, in terms of force capabilities, between a UR10 with a FT300 sensor and a UR10e. I understand that you can buy a license of the Force Copilot software to be used in the UR10e. Does it mean that somehow the force sensor hardware integrated into the e-series is the same as the one provided by Robotiq in the FT300? Is it possible to use the URCaps developed by other companies for their sensors with the integrated sensor of the URe? Does Robotiq have a direct relation in the development of the e-series?

Nicholas_Francoeur 2019-04-12

@dahonora, in terms of specifications, you can compare the two sensors with the specs from the UR10e and FT 300. Functionality wise, the FT 300 uses the same URCap as the Force Copilot, meaning that a FT 300 mounted on a CB Series robot has the same features as using the embedded FT sensor from the UR10e with Force Copilot.

To my knowledge, there are no other URCap that uses the embedded FT sensor. You can always check back the UR+ section of the Universal Robots website for anything new.

dahonora 2019-04-12

Hey @Nicholas_Francoeur! Thank you for your quick answer. We are thinking of buying a UR10e, and wanted to understand better the differences between those options.

Nicholas_Francoeur 2019-04-12

@dohonora, note that a FT 300 sensor will not work on a UR10e. Force Copilot must be used to enable the Robotiq force functionalities.

As for the specifications from UR for the FT sensor, they specs very conservative values. You should know that the real repeatability and precision of the FT will depend on the application itself. Robotiq offers a free of charge proof of concept service if you are ever interested in derisking your application.

dahonora 2019-04-12

And what will happen if I have already a FT300 sensor? Is it possible to use the license that comes with the FT300 in order to enable the Force Copilot functionalities on the e-series?

Nicholas_Francoeur 2019-04-12

@dahonora, using the FT 300 hardware enables the features from the Force Copilot URCap on a CB-Series. To enable the same features on the e-Series, you need a license dongle plugged in the robot controller.