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Automation technology March 2026

„Product of the year 2026„ : 6-axis force/torque sensor FTS is the winner

SCHUNK’s 6-axis force/torque sensor FTS has been awarded first place in the "Robotics, Handling, and Assembly Technology" category of the "INDUSTRIAL Production Products of the Year 2026" competition. Through the readers' choice award, the trade magazine honors innovative solutions that provide new impetus for industrial production.

Product of the Year 2026 in the robotics, handling, and assembly technology category Gold for precision: The 6-axis force/torque sensor FTS is "Product of the Year 2026" in the robotics, handling, and assembly technology category. Dr.-Ing. Kyle Kippenbrock (Vice President Components, Gripping Technology & Automation Technology) and Tobias Schilling (Product Management Gripping Technology & Automation Technology) accepted the award in Munich.

The FTS sensor measures forces and torques in all six degrees of freedom, enabling precise process monitoring in robot-assisted applications. It detects even the slightest deviations in the process, supporting demanding tasks such as the joining of battery cells, precise placing components on printed circuit boards, or assisting patients through therapy robots. Its high stiffness makes the robust base body durable and ensures high measurement accuracy in dynamic applications.

Fingertip precision in robotics

The FTS is part of the SCHUNK’s new Robot PLUS portfolio. With its end-of-arm components such as tool changers, compensation units, and force/torque sensors, it offers versatile design options for flexible robot automation. This enables SCHUNK to help companies implement automated processes that are both more precise and more productive. Especially against the backdrop of rising requirements for efficiency, quality, and flexibility, robotics is regarded as a key technology for high-performance production that conserves resources and provides targeted relief for employees.

FTS force/torque sensor The FTS force/torque sensor measures process forces and torques with high resolution and accuracy, enabling reliable results and consistent quality in automated production.

The "INDUSTRIAL Production Products of the Year" competition is held annually by the trade magazine of the same name. Readers from industry and manufacturing selected the most compelling innovations in six different categories. The award highlights which technologies and concepts are currently shaping industrial production – ranging from manufacturing, machine, and mold making to peripherals and recycling. The winning solutions stand for innovative strength and strong practical relevance, providing important impetus for more efficient, more sustainable, and future-proof production processes.