Heidenhain Dplus encoder offers new potential for robotics

The Dplus designation means that a Heidenhain encoder provides multi-dimensional motion feedback. This added functionality unlocks new potential in a variety of applications, including high-accuracy robots and safe cobots (collaborative robots).

The inductive KCI 120 Dplus dual encoder delivers position feedback both upstream and downstream from the gear system of a robot joint. This dual measurement is achieved via two separate circular scales read by a single scanning unit. By measuring the joint’s position downstream from the gearing, the encoder compensates for inaccuracies inherent in highly articulated and dynamic robot designs.

One result is greater accuracy at the TCP. Another result, thanks to the EnDat 2.2 interface with functional safety, is the encoder’s suitability for safety-related applications such as cobots.