Abstract: An optical displacement sensor is disclosed for use in robotic applications. The sensor can be used to examine the shape and surface texture of an object. In the embodiment which includes a compressible means of known spring constant, the sensor can be used to measure contract force. The position sensor uses an electro-optical displacement transducer to convert a displacement into an electrical output. The sensor utilizes a phototransistor to measure light emitted by an infrared light emitting diode. The amount of light received from by the phototransistor is varied by the displacement of the contact probe, or shadow rod.