What is the term for a device that detects a collision?

• A. Proximity sensor
• B. Collision sensor
• C. Torque sensor
• D. Temperature sensor

Answer: (B)

Collision sensing is about recognizing when two surfaces come into contact. A collision sensor is the device designed to trigger when physical contact happens, providing a signal that can stop motion or adjust behavior to protect the robot. Proximity sensors detect objects without touching them, signaling how close something is but not that a collision has occurred. Torque sensors measure twist or load at a joint and are mainly about force measurement in the joint, not directly indicating a collision. Temperature sensors monitor heat and are unrelated to contact events. So, for detecting a collision, the collision sensor is the appropriate term.