An elastic torque sensor utilizing a torsion spring and components to measure the movement of the spring output side and input side. The torque sensor is in communication with a programmable controller. The components detecting movement or distortion of the either side of the torsion spring are not positioned within the load path experienced by the torsion spring. This configuration allows the detected position of the spring input and output sides not to be distorted by hysteresis. The components comprise a sensor disk that is attached to either the spring input or output side. The sensor disk is not within the spring load path. The sensor disk rotates with the torsion spring. The sensor disk is mark so that the degree of rotation can be detected by a stationary sensor also not in the load path. The sensor disk can send a signal to a programmable controller.