HBKShop | Training | Resources

arrow_back_ios

Main Menu

See All Products See All Knowledge See All Solutions See All Services & Support See All About See All Contact
arrow_back_ios

Main Menu

See All Acoustic End-of-Line Test Systems See All DAQ and instruments See All Electroacoustics See All Software See All Transducers See All Vibration Testing Equipment See All Academy See All Resource Center See All Applications See All Industries See All Insights See All Services See All Support See All Our Business See All Our History See All Our Sustainability Commitment See All Global Presence
arrow_back_ios

Main Menu

See All Actuators See All Combustion Engines See All Durability See All eDrive See All Transmission & Gearboxes See All Turbo Charger See All DAQ Systems See All High Precision and Calibration Systems See All Industrial electronics See All Power Analyser See All S&V Hand-held devices See All S&V Signal conditioner See All Accessories See All DAQ Software See All Drivers & API See All nCode - Durability and Fatigue Analysis See All ReliaSoft - Reliability Analysis and Management See All Test Data Management See All Utility See All Vibration Control See All Acoustic See All Current / voltage See All Displacement See All Load Cells See All Pressure See All Strain See All Torque See All Vibration See All Exciters See All LDS Shaker Systems See All Power Amplifiers See All Vibration Controllers See All Training Courses See All Whitepapers See All Acoustics See All Asset & Process Monitoring See All Custom Sensors See All Data Acquisition & Analysis See All Durability & Fatigue See All Electric Power Testing See All NVH See All Reliability See All Smart Sensors See All Vibration See All Weighing See All Automotive & Ground Transportation See All Robotics See All Calibration See All Installation, Maintenance & Repair See All Support Brüel & Kjær See All Release Notes See All Compliance See All Our People
arrow_back_ios

Main Menu

See All CANHEAD See All GenHS See All LAN-XI See All MGCplus See All Optical Interrogators See All QuantumX See All SomatXR See All Fusion-LN See All Accessories See All Hand-held Software See All Accessories See All BK Connect / Pulse See All API See All Microphone sets See All Microphone Cartridges See All Special Microphones See All Acoustic Calibrators See All Microphone Pre-amplifiers See All Sound Sources See All Accessories for acoustic transducers See All Accessories See All Experimental testing See All Transducer Manufacturing (OEM) See All Accessories See All CCLD (IEPE) accelerometers See All Charge Accelerometers See All Impulse hammers / impedance heads See All Cables See All Accessories See All Accessories for Vibration Testing Equipment See All Electroacoustics See All Noise Source Identification See All Environmental Noise See All Sound Power and Sound Pressure See All Noise Certification See All Industrial Process Control See All Structural Health Monitoring See All Electrical Devices Testing See All Electrical Systems Testing See All Grid Testing See All High-Voltage Testing See All Vibration Testing with Electrodynamic Shakers See All Structural Dynamics See All Machine Analysis and Diagnostics See All Process Weighing See All Calibration Services for Transducers See All Calibration Services for Handheld Instruments See All Calibration Services for Instruments & DAQ See All On-Site Calibration See All Resources See All Software License Management

Custom Sensor Solution : Meet OEM Engineers specific needs

OEM engineers need sensors that integrate seamlessly into their products while meeting strict requirements for size, performance, quality, and cost—challenges standard solutions often fail to address. Trusted by manufacturers worldwide, HBK provides custom sensor solutions with expert design, efficient manufacturing, and global delivery for optimal results.
Talk with an expert
oem sensors - handover product development

Your product defines the future. Our sensors bring it to life

Standard sensors quickly reach their limits when faced with the demands of modern product design.

Custom sensors can provide real-time data on mechanical parameters such as torque, force, acceleration, pressure, load.. And more.

HBK supports your technological roadmaps by designing custom sensor assemblies built on strain gauge technology or incorporating MEMS and piezoelectric technologies, paving the way for groundbreaking innovation. These advanced sensor solutions empower innovators to develop intelligent products that address the technical challenges of the future.

Partnering with HBK means leveraging expert design, prototyping and manufacturing to streamline development and deliver high-performance

usp-icon

Collaborate with OEM engineers to define goals, create tailored sensors, and determine prototype costs efficiently.

usp-icon

Develop custom strain gauges quickly with expert prototyping, functional test samples, and performance-optimised solutions.

usp-icon

Transition from prototypes to series production seamlessly with lean processes and automated techniques. Production facilities based in Europe, Asia and United States

Custom Sensor Assemblies for Innovative Products S05868 brochure - mockup

Accelerate product Innovation with Custom Sensor Solutions 

Discover how OEM sensor assemblies can achieve volume production in just six months!

Download our exclusive guide, “Custom Sensor Assembly for OEM,” for expert insights that enhance your design process, streamline your time-to-market, and align production with demand. Partner with HBK for tailored solutions and sustainable success.

Don’t miss out !

Download the guide

From Listening to Innovation - HBK Process for Custom Sensor Solutions

Step 1 - Two Great Companies Working in Partnership

Two Great Companies Working in Partnership

Step 2- The Engineer-to-Engineer discussion

The Engineer-to-Engineer discussion

Step 3- Product Requirements defined

Product Requirements defined

Step 4 - Virtual model – First Prototype

Virtual model – First Prototype

Step 5 - Results of first Prototype Tests

Results of first Prototype Tests – test protocols established

Step 6 - Lean Manufacturing

Lean Manufacturing

Step 7 - Logistics and Agile Supply Chain Management

Logistics and Agile Supply Chain Management

Custom Sensors Solution - Mastering every measure

Force measurement is essential across a wide range of industrial, scientific, and technical applications, enabling precise evaluation of tension, compression, and bending forces.

With custom sensor solutions designed for OEM integration, various technologies can be implemented to meet specific performance, space, and durability requirements.

Strain gauge sensors detect the deformation of a metallic element under applied force. This proven method delivers highly reliable, repeatable data—even in compact setups or dynamic conditions.

Piezoelectric sensors generate an electric charge in response to force, leveraging the unique properties of specialized materials. They are ideal for high-speed measurements and demanding environments.

Selecting the right sensing technology depends on the type of force, measurement frequency, environmental factors, and required accuracy. A custom-designed solution ensures optimal integration, long-term reliability, and superior performance in your OEM systems.

 

Force picto

Torque measurement is critical for assessing rotational force in mechanical systems—ensuring their efficiency, performance, and safety.

For OEM products, custom torque sensors are engineered to integrate seamlessly within tight mechanical assemblies while maintaining precision and robustness.

Strain gauge torque sensors convert the slight mechanical deformation caused by torque into an electrical signal. Known for their accuracy and long-term stability, they’re widely used in industrial and automotive systems.

Piezoelectric torque sensors respond to torsional force by generating an electrical charge. With fast response times and high durability, they are especially suited for dynamic measurements and harsh environments.

Choosing the right custom torque sensor involves evaluating factors like static vs. dynamic torque, measurement range, space constraints, and environmental conditions. A tailored solution ensures reliable, high-quality data from within your OEM product.

 

Torque picto

Multi-axis force measurement is key in applications where forces and moments act in multiple directions—such as robotics, biomechanics, or aerospace testing.

For OEM systems that require advanced motion and load analysis, custom multi-axis sensors provide detailed insights into complex mechanical interactions.

Strain gauge-based multi-axis sensors use multiple sensing elements to capture forces (Fx, Fy, Fz) and torques (Mx, My, Mz) across several axes. This technology ensures synchronized, high-precision outputs under varying conditions.

6-axis measurement systems deliver comprehensive data on how an object is being pushed, pulled, or twisted. They’re indispensable in robotics control, ergonomic assessments, and structural monitoring—where precise multi-dimensional data is vital.

Key considerations for a custom multi-axis sensor include the number of axes, sensitivity, cross-talk performance, and environmental resilience. A customized design ensures optimal integration and accurate, real-time data acquisition.

 

Multiaxis transducer picto

Load measurement is a cornerstone of mechanical and structural monitoring in industries like construction, manufacturing, transportation, and logistic.

Custom load sensor solutions for OEM products ensure accurate weight and force measurement—supporting safety, performance, and compliance from within your system.

Strain gauge load cells are the most common solution, offering high accuracy and excellent stability by converting deformation into electrical signals. They perform reliably in both static and dynamic conditions.

Hydraulic and pneumatic load cells measure force via pressure changes in a fluid. Though less precise, they’re highly robust and ideal for environments where electrical solutions are less viable.

Selecting the right load sensor involves assessing load type (tension, compression, or both), measurement range, accuracy requirements, and environmental conditions. A tailored integration ensures dependable data and efficient operation.

 

Weighing picto

Pressure measurement is vital for monitoring gases and liquids across a wide range of applications—from process automation and fluid dynamics to automotive, aerospace, and medical systems.

With custom-designed pressure sensors for OEM integration, you get compact, efficient, and precise solutions tailored to your product’s architecture.

Strain gauge pressure sensors work by measuring diaphragm deformation under pressure. This method offers high accuracy, robust performance, and adaptability across pressure ranges.

MEMS pressure sensors (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) use miniaturized structures on silicon chips. As pressure is applied, these structures deform, producing an electrical signal. MEMS technology offers low power consumption, high sensitivity, and a compact footprint—ideal for portable and embedded applications.

Choosing the right pressure sensor involves evaluating the type of pressure (absolute, gauge, or differential), measurement range, fluid compatibility, and operating conditions. With a custom approach, pressure becomes a reliable metric for performance and control in complex OEM systems.

 

Pressure picto

Expert sensor solutions driving Innovation across key markets

With proven expertise, HBK empowers OEM innovators to enhance the performance, precision, and reliability of their systems, whether by optimising equipment for extreme environments or driving forward technological innovation.

The sectors below highlight key areas where our capabilities are indispensable, and where custom sensor solutions are critical to meeting the most demanding technical challenge

chevron_left
chevron_right
Illustration of a surgical medical robot in isometric perspective

Strain gauge-based sensors are essential to modern medical devices, providing precise and reliable solutions for measuring pressure, force, and loads across various applications, such as robotic surgery, catheters, and medical pumps.

Their robustness, including resistance to repeated autoclave cycles, ensures long-lasting performance in demanding environments. With custom sensor solutions, such as miniaturized designs for space-constrained applications, they seamlessly adapt to the specific requirements of product design, addressing the unique challenges of each medical device.

These sensors enable optimized design, enhanced durability, and strict quality control while driving more accurate diagnostics, real-time monitoring, and superior therapeutic outcomes, setting new standards in healthcare innovation.

The integration of piezoelectric and MEMS technologies alongside strain gauges opens new frontiers for medical devices, enabling even greater precision, miniaturization, and adaptability to advance healthcare outcomes.

read more
Illustration of a farm tractor in isometric perspective

Customised sensors are essential for modern automated agriculture, delivering precision and reliability for critical applications.

They enable accurate measurement of key variables such as force, load, torque, and weight, optimising tasks like seed placement, fertilizer dosing, and yield monitoring.

Using advanced strain gauge technology, these robust and durable sensors are designed to withstand harsh conditions while minimising the need for design modifications.

By integrating tailored sensor solutions, agricultural machinery manufacturers achieve enhanced energy efficiency, durability, and automation capabilities, even in the most challenging environments.

Combining piezoelectric and MEMS technologies with strain gauges enhances agricultural systems, enabling smarter, more efficient, and sustainable practices tailored to evolving industry need

read more
Illustration of a collaborative robot in isometric perspective

Custom sensors are essential for optimizing the performance of robots and cobots by collecting precise, application-specific data.

For robots, they enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and meet the growing demand for automation. For cobots, they ensure safe collaboration with humans by providing real-time insights into their environment and interactions.

HBK’s robust, tailored solutions enable advanced functionalities such as torque, mass, and mechanical strain measurement while ensuring seamless integration and superior reliability. These solutions empower manufacturers to innovate, minimize maintenance needs, and develop safer, more durable, and high-performing systems.

The synergy of piezoelectric, MEMS, and strain gauge technologies paves the way for advanced robotics, offering unparalleled precision, adaptability, and safety in automation.

read more
Illustration of a truck scale in isometric perspective

OEM manufacturers rely on advanced force, torque, strain, and pressure sensors to meet the rigorous demands of off-highway vehicles in sectors such as construction, mining, and heavy equipment.

Designed with durable materials like stainless steel and aluminium, these sensors provide precise measurements for payloads, overload conditions, and vehicle scales, ensuring reliable performance even in extreme environments. Leading innovations in torque measurement, these solutions optimise drivetrain and engine performance—whether for combustion or electric systems—using custom designs and advanced wireless data transmission.

Close collaboration with OEMs ensures seamless sensor integration into systems, delivering unmatched reliability, accuracy, and durability to drive innovation and efficiency.

By integrating piezoelectric and MEMS technologies with strain gauges, off-highway vehicles gain enhanced sensor capabilities, driving greater innovation, efficiency, and resilience in extreme conditions.

read more
blue modern mid drive motor e bike pedelec with electric engine middle mount. battery powered ebike isolated on white background. Innovation transportation concept.

The growing e-bike market has intensified competition and raised user expectations, with riders seeking a smooth, intuitive experience regardless of bike type or conditions.

To meet these demands, manufacturers are enhancing drivetrain control by integrating advanced sensors that measure cadence, force, and torque, ensuring seamless interaction between human and motor power.

These customised sensors, designed to be robust, precise, and tailored to bike-specific requirements, deliver reliable, consistent data, enabling responsive and natural motor assistance for an optimised riding experience.

read more
Illustration of OEM sensor design and development in isometric perspective

The expertise of Custom Sensor Solutions by HBK extends far beyond sectors such as medical, agriculture, robotics, and off-road vehicles. Regardless of the industry or the complexity of the challenges, our team of specialized engineers partners with innovative OEMs to address critical issues, including compact design constraints, real-time feedback requirements, miniaturization, and the integration of advanced functionalities.

With cutting-edge technologies in strain gauges, piezoelectric systems, and MEMS, we deliver customized solutions precisely aligned with OEMs’ technological roadmaps. These tailored solutions create new opportunities by meeting the highest standards of precision, durability, and seamless integration, while overcoming the most demanding challenges in complex environments.

Contact our experts to discover how our custom solutions can help you tackle your unique challenges and drive your innovations forward.

speak to an expert

FAQ | Answer to your questions about HBK Custom Sensors Solution

Yes, it is possible to convert almost any part into a sensor or to design a new custom sensor from scratch.

When a catalog sensor is not suitable, existing components of a system can be strategically modified to function as active sensors. Alternatively, a high-performance sensor can be created to fit the equipment with minimal to no modifications to the overall system.

Sensors can be customized to withstand a range of conditions for medical autoclave and off-road applications. Sensors can be designed for a wide array of challenging environmental conditions, including high temperatures, pressure, and the presence of corrosive fluids.

Expert design engineers consider environmental conditions from the design phase, selecting appropriate coating materials and sensor construction to suit the application.

With capabilities and resources to provide rapid prototypes in low volumes at partner pricing, HBK engineers utilize FEA to optimize components during the design phase. This approach reduces the number of physical prototypes, resulting in the development of superior products in the shortest time possible.

Adherence to the highest international standards and certifications, customer audits, and processes like PAPP approval ensures trustworthy and repeatable processes. Additionally, custom test plans can be developed and executed to meet unique testing requirements.

We have world class manufacturing facilities and logistics teams in Germany, North America and China to support you with your high-volume request. We can move seamlessly into series / volume production. Sensor development and production are closely interconnected: transfers from engineering to production are performed accurately and effectively utilizing our highly experienced teams and global footprint. .

You may also be interested in....

 


Need Help? We’re Here for You!


Whether you have questions, need more information, or are ready to start working with us, we're here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best service and personalized solutions that meet your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re just a click away!

Contact us today, and let's explore how we can make things happen for you. We look forward to connecting soon!

Contact us
Lady cut out reading a newsletter on tablet
close

Modern Slavery Statement     Imprint    Cookie Policy    Privacy Policy    Sitemap    Ethical Business    Company Profile

 

© 2025 Hottinger Brüel & Kjær

 

 

close
nCode logo
Graphics Brand

We have moved ${referer} to www.hbkworld.com

 

This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.

close
ReliaSoft-Logo-webp
Graphics Brand

We have moved ${referer} to www.hbkworld.com

 

This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.

close
Prenscia HBM-Logo rgb
Graphics Brand

We have moved ${referer} to www.hbkworld.com

 

This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.

close
HBM-Logo blue rgb
Graphics Brand

We have moved ${referer} to www.hbkworld.com

 

This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.

close
logo of Brüel & Kjær (BKSV), experts of sound and vibration measurements from HBK
Graphics Brand

We have moved ${referer} to www.hbkworld.com

 

This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.