Top 10 Popular IoT Sensors

Sensors are everywhere.

They exist in our homes and workplaces, shopping malls, and hospitals; they are embedded in smartphones and are an essential part of the Internet of Things (IoT).

In fact, sensors have been around for a long time.

The first thermostat was introduced in the late 1880s, and infrared sensors began appearing in the late 1940s. The IoT and its corresponding Industrial IoT (IIoT) are elevating the use of sensors to a new level.

Broadly speaking, sensors are devices that detect and respond to environmental changes. Inputs can come from various sources, such as light, temperature, motion, and pressure. Sensor outputs provide valuable information, and if they are connected to a network, they can share data with other connected devices and management systems.

Sensors are critical to the operations of many businesses today. They can alert you to potential problems before they become big issues, enabling businesses to conduct predictive maintenance and avoid costly downtime. Data from sensors can also be analyzed for trends, allowing business owners to gain insights into key trends and make informed evidence-based decisions.

Sensors come in many shapes and sizes. Some are purpose-built and contain many built-in individual sensors, allowing you to monitor and measure multiple data sources. In brownfield environments (redeveloping urban land), sensors are crucial to include both digital and analog inputs so that they can read data from traditional sensors.

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 of their use cases.

Temperature sensors measure thermal energy in heat sources, enabling them to detect temperature changes and convert those changes into data. Machinery used in manufacturing often requires environmental and equipment temperatures to be at specific levels. Similarly, in agriculture, soil temperature is a key factor for crop growth.

Humidity sensors are used to measure the amount of water vapor in the air or other gases, commonly found in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in industrial and residential settings. They can also be found in many other fields, including hospitals, and weather stations for reporting and predicting weather.

Pressure sensors can sense changes in gases and liquids. When pressure changes occur, 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 can easily detect fluctuations or drops in pressure.

Proximity sensors are used for non-contact detection of objects near the sensor. These types of sensors typically emit electromagnetic fields or beams of radiation such as infrared. Proximity sensors have some interesting use cases.

For instance, in retail, proximity sensors can detect the movement between a customer and the product they are interested in. 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 industries.

Level sensors are used to detect the levels of substances such as liquids, powders, and granular materials. Many industries, including oil manufacturing, water treatment, and 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 dumpsters.

Accelerometers can detect the acceleration of an object, which is the rate of change of velocity of the object over time. Accelerometers 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 remain stationary is moved.

Gyroscope sensors measure angular rate or speed, typically defined as the measurement of speed and rotation around an axis. Use cases include automobiles, such as car navigation and electronic stability control (anti-skid) 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, combustible, or harmful gases. Industries that use 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 homes.

These types of sensors perceive the 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. TVs 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 if a piece of art is original or forged, or has been altered during a restoration process.

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 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.