English

Robot joint characterisation and control using a magneto-optical rotary encoder

Robotics 2025-11-25 v1 Optics

Abstract

A robust and compact magneto-optical rotary encoder for the characterisation of robotic rotary joints is demonstrated. The system employs magnetic field-induced optical attenuation in a double-pass configuration using rotating nonuniform magnets around an optical circulator operating in reflection. The encoder tracks continuous 360{\deg} rotation with rotation sweep rates from {\nu} = 135 {\deg}/s to {\nu} = 370 {\deg}/s, and an angular resolution of {\Delta}{\theta} = 0.3{\deg}. This offers a low-cost and reliable alternative to conventional robot rotation encoders while maintaining competitive performance.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2511.17608,
  title  = {Robot joint characterisation and control using a magneto-optical rotary encoder},
  author = {Yunlong Guo and John Canning and Zenon Chaczko and Gang-Ding Peng},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2511.17608},
  year   = {2025}
}
R2 v1 2026-07-01T07:49:28.752Z