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In the IoT (Internet of Things) scenario, sensors are ubiquitous and are an indispensable part of the IoT.
Broadly speaking, a sensor is a device that detects and responds to environmental changes. Inputs can come from various sources such as light, temperature, motion, and pressure. Sensors output valuable information, and if they are connected to a network, they can share data with other connected devices and management systems.
There are many types of IoT sensors, and the number of applications and use cases is even greater. Here are 10 popular types of IoT sensors and some use cases to provide some references for industrial manufacturers.
Temperature sensors measure thermal energy in heat sources, allowing them to detect temperature changes and convert these changes into data. Manufacturing machinery often requires the environment and equipment temperature to be at specific levels. Similarly, in agriculture, soil temperature is a key factor for crop growth.
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Humidity sensors are used to measure the amount of water vapor in the air or other gases, commonly found in industrial and residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They can also be found in many other areas, including hospitals and meteorological stations for reporting and forecasting weather.
Pressure sensors can sense changes in gases and liquids.
When pressure changes, the sensor detects these changes and communicates them to the connected system. Common use cases include leak testing, which may result from attenuation. Pressure sensors are also useful in the manufacturing of water systems, as they easily detect pressure fluctuations or drops.
Proximity sensors are used for non-contact detection of objects near the sensor. These types of sensors typically emit electromagnetic fields or infrared radiation beams. Proximity sensors have some interesting use cases.
Users can receive notifications of any discounts or special offers for products located near the sensor. Proximity sensors can also be used in parking lots of malls, stadiums, and airports to indicate parking availability. They can also be used on assembly lines in chemical, food, and many other types of industries.
Level sensors are used to detect the level of substances such as liquids, powders, and granular materials.Many industries, including oil manufacturing, water treatment, beverage, and food manufacturing plants use level sensors. Waste management systems provide a common use case as level sensors can detect waste levels in bins or containers.
Accelerometers can detect the acceleration of an object, which is the rate of change of the object’s speed over time. They can also detect changes in gravity.
Use cases for accelerometers include smart pedometers and monitoring driving fleets. They can also serve as anti-theft protection, alerting the system when an object that should be stationary is moved.
Gyroscope sensors measure angular velocity or speed, commonly defined as the measurement of speed and rotation around an axis.
Use cases include automobiles, such as car navigation and electronic stability control (anti-slip) systems. Other use cases include motion sensing in video games and camera shake detection systems.
These types of sensors monitor and detect changes in air quality, including the presence of toxic, flammable, or harmful gases.
Industries using gas sensors include mining, oil and gas, chemical research, and manufacturing. A common consumer use case is the familiar carbon dioxide detectors used in many households.
These types of sensors perceive characteristics of the surrounding environment by emitting or detecting infrared radiation. They can also measure the heat emitted by objects.
Infrared sensors are used in various IoT projects, including healthcare, as they simplify monitoring blood flow and blood pressure. Televisions use infrared sensors to interpret signals sent by remote controls.
Another interesting application is that art historians use infrared sensors to see hidden layers in paintings to help determine whether a piece of art is original or forged, or if it has been altered during restoration processes.
Optical sensors convert light into electrical signals. Optical sensors have many applications and use cases.
In the automotive industry, cars use optical sensors to identify signs, obstacles, and other things that drivers would notice while driving or parking.
In the development of autonomous vehicles, optical sensors play a significant role.
Optical sensors are very common in smartphones. For example, ambient light sensors can extend battery life.
Optical sensors are also used in the biomedical field, including respiratory analysis and heart rate monitors.
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