Intro
We were pleased that the Mantracourt ICA2H load cell amplifier was used within the design of the Mantis, a hexapod robot, designed and manufactured by Micromagic Systems Robotics Ltd.
On 15th January 2017 Mantis was awarded the Guinness World Records Certificate for the largest rideable hexapod robot.
The Mantis is an all-terrain machine that stands 2.8 metres high, weighs nearly 2 tonnes and can be manually piloted or remote wifi controlled.
ICA Amplifiers
Working closely with Micromagic Systems Robotics Ltd, our UK technical partner Applied Measurements, supplied and designed customised load cells for this project. These are especially robust, compact and submersible, as the Mantis is required to travel over most types of terrain and even wade through water. Using our in-line Mantracourt ICA amplifiers in waterproof enclosures, the load cell outputs are monitored via a 0-5Vdc signal to the control unit.
Mantracourt’s ICA range of Miniature Strain Gauge Signal Conditioners offers a high performance strain gauge amplifier in miniature OEM format. The range has been designed specifically for fitting inside load cells, and converts load cell to 4-20 mA and 0-10 V output.
Mantracourt’s miniature Strain Gauge Signal Conditioner is available in 6 versions, ICA1H, 2H, 3H, 4H and 6H with high performance and ICA5S with industrial stability. The ICAH range offers very low drift over wide operating temperatures. There is ATEX certification pending on some variants.
“The Mantracourt ICA family of load cell amplifiers is recognized for its high stability and fast response. This level of performance was essential for the safe operation of the Mantis. The Mantis is a great demonstration of how load cell technology has an important role to play in robotics and automation.”
Darren Skipp
Commercial Director,
Applied Measurements