Non-contact Axial Articulation Sensing

An assembly of an alignment tool and a sensing apparatus for non-contact sensing of axial articulation are disclosed. The sensing apparatus includes a first member, and a second member. The first member includes a housing and a non-contact sensor disposed inside a chamber of the housing. The second member includes a base including a side surface, a stem disposed on the base and defining a cavity, first and second supports disposed on the side surface, and a magnet disposed in the cavity. The alignment tool includes a floor, an inner wall, and an outer wall that define a channel. The alignment tool is configured to align the non-contact sensor over the magnet and to provide a gap between the non-contact sensor and the magnet when the channel is disposed between the first and second members.