Sensors in Internet of Things (IoT) Devices Enabling Smart Decision Making & Streamlining Analytics & Connectivity

Internet of Things (IoT) presents tremendous potential to change the functions of systems and how businesses operate. Internet of Things (IoT) devices are driven by the massive amounts of data that can be collected, analyzed, and reported and this ability to collected insightful data begins with the use of sensors. Sensors are vital to many operations nowadays as they are helpful in identifying issues before they convert to a huge problem, enable businesses to run predictive maintenance protocols, and minimize costs.

Data gathered from the sensors can be analyzed for trends which can enable businesses and organizations to gain insights into crucial trends and make informed decisions. According to Emergen Research, the global sensors in Internet of Things (IoT) devices market size is expected to reach USD 204.74 billion in 2028 and register a CAGR of 30.8% during the forecast period.

Sensors are devices that can effectively respond to inputs from the physical world and analyze these inputs for additional processing or use them in combination with artificial intelligence to make accurate decisions. With rapid expansion of IoT and its use cases, various types of sensors are extensively to monitor and collect data for analysis and processing.

Sensors are often used in the architecture of IoT devices and a combination of sensors and communication networks enable devices to share information with one other and improve their effectiveness and functionality. In IoT systems, these sensors often used wireless connectivity to export their data to the system and typically use less power, are cost-effective, and low maintenance.

Organizations have widely used sensors for a long time and the advent of Internet of Things have taken the evolution of sensors to the next level. Sensors are generally designed to respond to specific types of conditions in the physical world which are then converted into signals that can represent the intensity of the condition being monitored. These conditions include light, heat, sound, distance, pressure, or other specific situation. Let’s discuss in detail some of the widely used sensors in the world of Internet of Things (IoT):

 

• Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensors can efficiently detect temperature of the air or a physical object and convert that temperature level into an electrical signal which can be accurately calibrated to reflect the measured temperature. Temperature sensors can measure the amount of heat energy in a source which can detect temperature changes.

 

• Humidity Sensors

Humidity sensors measure the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere and these sensors are commonly found in industrial and residential sectors. They are also used in other sectors such as hospitals and meteorology stations to predict weather conditions.

 

• Pressure Sensors

Pressure sensors sense pressures and converts them into electric signal and the amount of signal depends on level of pressure that is applied. These sensors allow creation of IoT systems that can monitor systems and devices that are propelled by pressure. These sensors are extensively used in manufacturing sector and in maintenance of whole water systems and heating systems as they can efficiently detect any drop in pressure or any fluctuations. Pressure sensors can be deployed for purposes such as save lives in possible gas-explosive environments and in oil and gas rigs.

 

• Motion Sensors

Motion sensors can sense movement of a physical object by leveraging one of the advanced technologies such as passive infrared, ultrasonic, or microwave detection. These sensors are often used in security systems, intrusion detection systems, and can be used to automate control of doors, air conditioning, heating, and other systems.

 

• Image Sensors

Image sensors capture high-quality images to be digitally stored for processing. Major examples of these types of sensors include license plate readers and facial recognition systems. Image sensors are also widely used in cameras, for imaging in healthcare sector, in night vision hardware, radar and sonar, and biometric devices.

 

• Accelerometer Sensors

Accelerometer sensors measure physical or measurable acceleration that are experienced by object due to inertial forces. These sensors then convert the mechanical motion into electric output. These sensors are widely used in smartphones and can detect vibrations, titling, and acceleration. Accelerometer sensors are also deployed in aircraft and aviation industries, free fall detection, movement detection, consumer electronics, industrial and construction sites, and automotive control, among others.

 

• Gyroscope Sensors

Gyro sensors refer to a sensor or device that is used to measure the angular rate or velocity and is primarily used for navigation and monitoring orientation of an object. Gyroscope sensors are often used in car navigation systems cellular and camera devices, UAV control, consumer electronics, robotics control, and others. There are various kinds of gyro sensors that are selected based on their working mechanisms, output type, power, and environmental conditions. These sensors are often combined with accelerometers and use of these two sensors in conjunction provides more feedback to the system.

Some of the other commonly used sensors are optical sensors, proximity sensors, level sensors, IR sensors, smoke sensor, gas sensor, chemical sensor, and water quality sensor, among others. These sensors can empower the Internet of Things (IoT) devices and are central to their functioning. Sensors form the front end of IoT system and are connected directly or indirectly to IoT networks after signal conversion and processing. Different IoT applications require different variety of sensors. These sensors are widely used in manufacturing processes, agriculture, and healthcare sector, among others. With applications of IoT slated to grow exponentially, demand for IoT sensors is expected to rise over the coming years.