What is the effect of ambient temperature on the accuracy of robot-mounted sensors?

Ambient temperature variations can significantly affect the accuracy of robot-mounted sensors due to thermal expansion and contraction of the sensor components, changes in the sensor's electrical characteristics, and the influence of temperature on the measured physical quantity. Most sensors are designed to operate within a specific temperature range, and their accuracy is typically specified at a particular reference temperature. When the ambient temperature deviates from this reference temperature, the sensor's output signal may drift, leading to measurement errors. Thermal expansion and contraction can cause changes in the sensor's physical dimensions, affecting its calibration and accuracy. Temperature also affects the electrical properties of sensor components, such as resistors, capacitors, and semiconductors, which can alter the sensor's output signal. For example, if a robot-mounted vision sensor is used to inspect parts, temperature variations can cause the sensor's lens to distort or its internal electronics to drift, leading to inaccurate measurements of the part's dimensions. Similarly, temperature changes can affect the accuracy of force/torque sensors used for material removal applications. Some sensors incorporate temperature compensation techniques to minimize these effects, but even with compensation, significant temperature variations can still degrade sensor accuracy. Calibrating sensors at the operating temperature and using temperature-controlled environments can mitigate these issues. Regular calibration and environmental control are important for ensuring sensor accuracy.