Sensor help

[mymoon]

Hi,

I need a sensor on a robotic arm that can detect humans, so that i can stop the arm when it hits a human. Any ideas that i can use? thanks in advance.

[bdeuell]

you could turn any metal component into a capacitive sensor that would detect skin contact
torque sensors or current sensors would allow you to limit the force the robot applies and stop if it exceeds a certain value

[Billy]

I need a sensor on a robotic arm that can detect humans.

Maybe use a long sharp metal pin on the arm. Then use a microphone to listen for screams of pain.
Otherwise it's hard to make sure you've hit a human, and not some other obstacle.