Who wants to buy a beverage in a chipped bottle or cereal in a box with crushed corners? Sensor Wireless Inc. (www.sensorwireless.com) set about developing a specialized technology to prevent such uglies. Their wireless sensors transmit data on handling and environmental parameters and show the results in real time.

The challenge: Stop rough handling on the production line
The challenge: Stop rough handling on the production line

Sensor Wireless, on behalf of certain beverage and cereal makers, approached Tekscan about developing a force sensor for integration into a wireless system that would accurately and effectively determine forces applied to bottles and boxes by production line rails, robotic grippers, and adjacent bottles/boxes during production. Tekscan's system instruments a model of a bottle with force sensors, then sends it through the manufacturing process to monitor and report force data. The sensors' output allows the manufacturers to pinpoint the location of high and low forces, and respond by either slowing down or accelerating the line. The benefit is major cost savings from increased production yields and reduced loss associated with damaged goods.

Contact Elizabeth Hood, Tekscan Inc., South Boston, MA; 671-464-4500, [email protected], www.tekscan.com.