Advances in Torque Sensor Technology

Published: January 2026


Torque sensors, used for measuring rotational force or torque in mechanical systems, have long been essential across industries, such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing and robotics. These devices convert mechanical torque into electrical signals, enabling precise control, and safety enhancements in applications ranging from engine performance monitoring to robotic manipulation. The conventional torque sensors were based on strain gauge technologies, these sensors have evolved from bulky, wired components to sophisticated, integrated solutions that demand higher accuracy and responsiveness.

The recent advancements in torque sensor technology have been propelled by innovations in materials science, microelectronics and digital integration, resulting in the development of sensors that are lighter, more compact and resilient to harsh environments. Notably, the development of rotary torque sensors with reduced weight and minimal electrical noise, has revolutionized applications in electric vehicles (EVs) and aerospace, where precise torque feedback is critical for propulsion systems and flight controls. Furthermore, the integration of wireless communication protocols and six-axis force / torque sensing capabilities allows for seamless, real-time data transmission without compromising signal integrity, addressing longstanding challenges in dynamic, high-vibration settings.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms has enhanced sensor data processing, enabling predictive maintenance and adaptive control in collaborative robotics, thereby reducing downtime and improving operational precision.

Roots Analysis has conducted an exhaustive study on Torque Sensor Market featuring the current landscape and future opportunity for the companies engaged in the torque sensor domain. In this article, we have highlighted some of the advances in torque sensor technology that are likely to shape the evolution of this sector during the forecast period.

Advances in Torque Sensor Technology

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Advances in Torque Sensor Technology That Are Likely to Shape the Future Potential of the Industry

1. Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Technology: Piezoelectric Surface Acoustic Sensing

The SAW technology utilizes piezoelectric substrates to generate acoustic waves. The propagation of these acoustic waves depends upon the applied torque. These sensors operate without batteries and are powered solely by an external interrogator's RF signal, that excites the SAW device, achieving accuracies better than 1% over wide temperature ranges. Notably, Transense Technologies’s AWsense platform integrates SAW resonator, which can measure torque with high accuracy (up to 0.1% full scale), enables reliable performance in harsh automotive and industrial environments.

2. Optical Technology: Fiber Optic Torque Sensing

Optical torque sensors typically measure torque by monitoring changes in light polarization, intensity or phase shift caused by the twisting of an optical fiber or grating embedded in the shaft. These sensors are able to detect minute angular displacements through changes in light wavelength or intensity, achieving sub-micrometer resolutions and bandwidths up to 10 kHz. Notably, Sensor Technology offer optical rotary torque transducers through ORT 230 / 240 series; these devices offer enhanced electronics for superior resolution (up to 50kHz bandwidth), and measurements from 10mNm to 100Nm.

3. Miniaturized Torque Sensor Technology: MEMS-Enabled Compact Torques

The miniaturization of torque sensors represents a pivot advancement in torque sensor technology, enabling seamless integration into compact devices and systems once limited by size constraints. These torque sensors leverage micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and are able to achieve dimensions under 10 mm and are able to integrate into humanoid robots, wearable exoskeletons and micro-drives, where space and weight are paramount. In September 2025, XJCSENSOR launched Next-Gen MEMS force torque sensor at World Robot Conference, held in Beijing, China.

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4. New Product Launches: Fostering Progress and Innovation

Over the past decades, the torque sensors industry has undergone significant evolution, marked by a growth in technological advancements and innovations in torque sensors. Majority (~60%) of the recent developments in this domain were focused on product launch, reflecting growing emphasis among industry players on introducing innovative solutions for precise torque measurement. These product launches were largely driven by increasing adoption of EVs, the expansion of industrial automation and robotics, and advancements in sensor technology.

5. Key Market Movers: Look How Big Players are Influencing the Market

In past few years, numerous big companies have played an important role for the development of innovative torque sensors technologies, focusing on multi axis torque sensors and joint torque sensors. These established torque sensor manufacturers leverage their expertise to develop cutting-edge solutions and integrate different configurations and technologies in order to meet the evolving demands across various verticals. Notably, TE Connectivity, established in 1941, offers a diverse and advanced portfolio of torque sensors which are designed for static and dynamic measurements across various applications. Additionally, the company offers customization options for mechanical interfaces, sensing ranges, and output format (analog voltage and high-level outputs).

6. Asia-Pacific: Leading the Torque Sensor Market

Currently, Asia Pacific captures majority (~45%) of the market share as per the torque sensor industry analysis. This can be attributed to presence of well-established players in this region. Notably, this trend is likely to remain the same till 2035. This is due to the significant government initiatives  for the large-scale manufacturing of aerospace and automotive systems, which require torque sensors for motor control and safety systems.

Conclusion

The recent advancements in torque sensor technology, driven by miniaturized strain gauges, graphene-based materials, and AI-integrated self-calibrating systems, have revolutionized precision measurement across various industries. These innovations, including MEMS force-torque sensors, have expanded their use across various applications in electric vehicles, industrial automation and medical robotics while reducing latency and maintenance needs. As material science and machine learning continue to converge, advanced torque sensors are poised to deliver precise accuracy and efficiency, making them crucial components for next-generation automation and sustainable mobility systems.

Browse our full report on Torque Sensor Market:
https://www.rootsanalysis.com/torque-sensor-market

Sources:

  1. https://www.transense.com/sawsense/sawsense
  2. https://www.ien.eu/article/optical-rotary-torque-sensors-1/