Sensor types vary depending on the sensing object they are meant to measure. Although smart sensors come in different shapes and sizes, they are important IoT components capable of converting the actual variables they measure into streaming digital data that can be transmitted to a gateway. Here are some of the most widely used sensors in the IoT world.
Temperature and Humidity Sensors: As the name suggests, temperature and humidity sensors measure the heat and humidity generated by an area or object. Its detection of changes in temperature and humidity allows us to perform a variety of tasks from manufacturing to agriculture to healthcare.
Proximity Sensors: Proximity sensors are widely used for proximity marketing, where promotional notifications are sent to mobile phones when a person is near a target object.
Accelerometer Sensors: These sensors are critical for fleet management, allowing speed to be monitored and controlled remotely. Additionally, 3-axis accelerometers can be used to monitor if a person or object is falling and trigger warnings via an integrated panic button.
PIR Sensors: PIR sensors monitor the movement of people and objects and can be used to know if a home or other important space is occupied. On the one hand, it avoids major property damage due to intrusion and on the other hand, it helps to maximise space management.
Location Sensors: Almost all industries have location needs. Location sensors are commonly used for warehouse management, smart attendance management, asset tracking, personnel tracking, etc.
Hall Sensors: Hall sensors are used for automatic switching, direction and speed of movement and are commonly used for automated management of vehicles and various appliances.
IoT Vibration Sensors: IoT vibration sensors on vehicles can trigger alerts when abnormal vibrations occur, preventing vehicles from being abandoned or allowing administrators to take timely action.
Optical Sensors: Optical sensors measure the physical quantity of light and convert it into an electrical signal that can be easily read by a user or electronic instrument/device. Optical sensors are used in industries such as environmental monitoring, healthcare, aerospace, and energy. Some of the major uses include ambient light detection, fibre optic communications and digital optical switches.
Water Quality Sensors: Water, like air, is vital for the smooth running of life and hence water quality sensors are widely used to test water quality. Water quality sensors can measure different values such as PH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, clarity, etc. to ensure that the water is pure enough for daily consumption. There are various types of water sensors including residual chlorine sensors, turbidity sensors, pH sensors and total organic carbon sensors.
Image Sensors: Converting optical data into electronic signals to electronically display or store files, image sensors have been deployed in digital cameras, medical imaging systems, media enterprises, smart vehicles, night vision devices, thermal imaging devices, sonar, radar and security field systems. Whenever a smart device needs to “see” its surroundings, it can find an image sensor.
Pressure Sensors: The task of pressure sensors is to detect pressure changes in gases and liquids. If there are any deviations from the standard pressure range, a notification can be sent to the monitoring administrator of any problems that need to be fixed. One application is in medical devices, such as blood pressure cuffs, to ensure that a patient’s blood pressure matches the number displayed.
Gyroscope Sensors: Gyroscope sensors are able to detect rotation and measure angular velocity, making them ideal for navigation systems, robotics control, consumer electronics, cellular and camera devices, and manufacturing processes that involve rotation. Because of their ability to detect rotation or torsion, they can find their application in sports activities to help athletes measure body movement and improve their performance when analysed.
IoT Motion Sensors : Motion sensors help in detecting physical motion in a given area. Apart from the main application of security and surveillance, motion sensors have been extended to automatic door controls, automatic sinks, toilet flushes, hand dryers, automatic parking systems, energy management systems, etc. As technology advances, the opportunities for motion sensors will continue to grow.
Italian 
English 
Russian 
German 
Spanish 
Portuguese 
French 
Dutch