In IoT scenarios, sensors are ubiquitous and are an indispensable part of the Internet of Things.
The first thermostat was introduced in the late 1880s, and infrared sensors began to appear in the late 1940s. The Internet of Things and its corresponding Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are elevating the use of sensors to a new level.
Broadly speaking, sensors are devices that detect and respond to changes in the environment. 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 of their use cases.
A temperature sensor measures the thermal energy in a heat source, allowing it to detect temperature changes and convert those changes into data. Machinery used in manufacturing often requires that environmental and equipment temperatures remain at specific levels. Similarly, soil temperature is a key factor in crop growth in agriculture.
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 areas. They can also be found in many other fields, including hospitals and weather stations for reporting and forecasting weather.
Pressure sensors can detect changes in gases and liquids. When pressure changes occur, the sensor detects these changes and communicates them to connected systems. 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 infrared radiation beams. Proximity sensors have some interesting use cases.
For example, in retail, proximity sensors can detect movement between customers and products they are interested in. Users can receive notifications of discounts or special offers on 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, 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 the object’s velocity 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 a stationary object is moved.
Gyroscope sensors measure angular velocity or speed, typically defined as measuring 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, 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 homes.
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 the monitoring of 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 view hidden layers in paintings to help determine whether a piece of art is original or forged or has been altered during restoration.
Optical sensors convert light into electrical signals. Optical sensors have many applications and use cases. In the automotive industry, cars use optical sensors to recognize signs, obstacles, and other things drivers should 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 monitoring.
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