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Black and white portrait of Matthias Simolka, Technical Solution Engineering at TWAICE

RYAN YOUNG

Global Head of Engineering - OEM Sensors

Ryan holds a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. He has 10 years of industry experience in electro-mechanical sensor design and manufacturing.

Ryan joined HBM (now HBK) 6 years ago as a Product Development Engineer and has managed the OEM Sensors engineering team since 2018.

He has spent his entire career working directly with customers in industries such as automotive, robotics, medical, and agriculture to provide highly customized solutions for an array of unique challenges.

Why have 6-DoF force/torque sensors become essential in modern robotics?

Robots can no longer rely solely on vision or pre-programmed trajectories. They need to sense and adapt in real time. A 6-DoF sensor can simultaneously measure three forces and three torques, giving robots a true sense of touch. This physical intelligence is critical for collaborative robots, adaptive logistics, and even surgical robotics.

 

What makes HBK’s technology different from other solutions on the market?

Precision is in HBK’s DNA. We rely on high-sensitivity strain gauges, combined with our proprietary calibration methods. The result is sub-millisecond latency, <1% crosstalk, and durability proven over millions of load cycles. Many sensors are 'components'; HBK delivers industrial-grade, fully calibrated solutions ready to integrate into demanding environments.

 

How do you collaborate with OEMs on customised sensor design?

It’s a co-engineering process; we start by analysing OEM requirements -mechanical geometry, payload, environment and communication protocol. Then we adapt the sensor design - form factor, embedded electronics and software interface. Finally, we validate it in real operating conditions. The key is delivering a sensor that fits seamlessly into the robot, without compromising on accuracy, robustness, or size.

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Exploring 6DOF Force/Torque Sensing: How robots learn to feel and react

Discover next-level precision in robotics - learn how 6DOF force and torque sensing empowers robots to sense, adapt, and interact with human-like dexterity.

Ready to advance your automation, assembly, or medical robotics projects?

Download the HBK 6DOF How It Works guide now and transform your sensing capabilities!

What are the main technical challenges in customising 6-DoF sensors?

These three are particularly notable:

Minimising crosstalk, even when it’s under combined loads.

Ensuring ultra-fast responsiveness for high-frequency picking and assembly.

Balancing compactness with robustness, as sensors in logistics or medical robotics must be small, yet resilient to demanding environments.

Every project is a balance between these factors - our engineering experience is what makes it possible.

 

What is your approach to helping logistics companies accomplish automation goals or optimise their existing robotic solutions? 

Our approach is always partnership-driven. Logistics is a fast-moving sector with unique challenges - high throughput, mixed item handling, and the need for absolute reliability. We start by understanding the company’s automation goals, whether it’s reducing damage rates, improving picking speed, or enhancing human–robot collaboration.

Then we tailor the 6-DoF sensor design to fit their robotic platform, validate it under real warehouse conditions, and fine-tune the integration with their control systems. The key is that HBK does not deliver a “one-size-fits-all” sensor - we deliver customised solutions that optimise robotic performance. This is why leading logistics providers trust us: we help them achieve measurable results such as higher efficiency, safer operations, and better ROI on their automation investments.

Ryan Young Global Head of Engineering – OEM Sensors, HBK

Which industries benefit most from HBK’s 6-DoF sensors today?

Collaborative robotics in manufacturing and logistics are leading the way. But we also see strong momentum in medical robotics for minimally invasive surgery - and in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs/AGVs) for precise docking and payload handling. Each industry brings unique requirements, which drives innovation in our designs.

 

How do you see 6-DoF sensing technology evolving in logistics and automation over the next five years?

We’re heading towards sensor fusion. Vision, AI, and tactile sensing will converge. Robots won’t just follow a plan; they’ll make decisions based on what they 'see' and what they 'feel.' At HBK, we’re focusing on miniaturisation, AI-enhanced calibration, and standardised interfaces so sensors become plug-and-play for OEMs.

 

If you had to summarise HBK’s value for OEMs in one sentence?

With HBK, a robot doesn’t just move - it understands its physical interactions, becoming safer, smarter, and more adaptable.

6Dof clear

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