Unlock the power of IoT sensors
IoT sensors gather data from everything on the network and transmit it across the Internet of Things for more rational decision-making and better operation in many sectors. The goal of this article is to give you some pointers on IoT sensors – so you can learn about them, understand their capabilities, assess how to apply them and compare various sensors so you can choose the right IoT sensor for your use case.
What are IoT sensors?
IoT sensors are able to measure a variety of changes in the physical world, turning them into data to be analysed. From industrial automation to smart homes, these devices track and control hundreds of systems in our daily lives. Here are some of the most used IoT sensors:
| Type of Sensor | Description | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Sensor | Measures temperature of an environment or object. | Smart thermostats, weather monitoring, industrial processes |
| Humidity Sensor | Measures the moisture level in the air. | HVAC systems, agriculture, weather stations |
| Pressure Sensor | Measures the pressure of gases or liquids. | Weather monitoring, industrial machinery, automotive systems |
| Proximity Sensor | Detects the presence or absence of an object within a certain range. | Security systems, automated doors, robotics |
| Accelerometer | Measures acceleration forces in one or more directions. | Fitness trackers, mobile devices, vehicle dynamics |
| Gyroscope | Measures the orientation or rotational movement of an object. | Drones, smartphones, gaming controllers |
| Light Sensor | Measures the intensity of light in the environment. | Smart lighting, smartphones, outdoor lighting systems |
| Gas Sensor | Detects the presence of various gases in the environment. | Air quality monitoring, industrial safety, home security |
| Infrared (IR) Sensor | Detects infrared radiation to sense heat and movement. | Motion detectors, remote controls, night vision equipment |
| Ultrasonic Sensor | Uses ultrasonic waves to measure distance to an object. | Distance measurement, robotics, vehicle parking systems |
| Water Quality Sensor | Measures various parameters of water quality, such as pH, turbidity, and contaminants. | Water treatment plants, aquaculture, environmental monitoring |
| Sound Sensor | Measures sound levels in the environment. | Environmental noise monitoring, smart homes, industrial settings |
| Magnetic Sensor | Detects magnetic fields or metal objects. | Navigation systems, security applications, industrial equipment |
| Flow Sensor | Measures the flow rate of liquids or gases. | Water management, industrial processes, HVAC systems |
| Image Sensor | Captures visual information from the environment. | Surveillance, machine vision, smart cameras |
Benefits of IoT sensors
- IoT sensors can constantly collect data inreal-time, meaning that the analysis and response can be performed as the data is being collected. For example, the reason smart city applications demand this quality is that they must perform quick measurements in order to figure out how to best react.
- IoT sensors offer precise data that helps to optimise processes, waste and energy use. A smart thermostat, for example, can reduce heating and cooling costs by several hundred dollars every year. According to US Department of Energy, they can lower heating bills by 10-12% and cooling bills by 15% per year.
- Use motion and proximity sensors to detect unauthorised access or suspicious activity.
- In smart homes, sensors control lighting and temperature to fit individuals’ preferences and activities.
Choosing the right IoT sensors
In addition, when you select IoT sensors, there are some points to consider to ensure you select sensors capable of fulfilling your needs.
- Installation parameters: Figure out what needs to be monitored and then select sensors that offer the measurements with the highest accuracy and reliability.
- Environmental suitability: Is the operating environment within the tolerances of the sensor (high temperature, low temperature, dryness or humidity)?
- Connectivity: Make sure the sensors you’re considering support your IoT ecosystem. Check first for commonly known communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa and others.
- Power efficiency: Whenever using a battery, minimise the consumption of power by choosing low power sensors to extend battery life.
Balance the cost with the features and benefits. One sensor might be budget-friendly, while another is loaded with features, delivering a wider range of benefits. That’s why cost-benefit analysis is a wise approach. You don’t always need to opt for the premium one. The best offering might actually be the budget-friendly sensor that does exactly what you need.
Comparing IoT sensors
When comparing IoT sensors, consider the following criteria to make an informed decision:
- Accuracy and precision: Fine sensors are more accurate, and greater accuracy is needed for mission-critical applications, such as medicine and industrial automation.
- Robustness: Sensors must remain able to function with a reasonable degree of accuracy for at least a few years without extensive maintenance.
- Data processing: Advanced sensors often have on-board data processing, which enables reductions in external processing time and faster response.
- Scalability: Make sure that the sensors scale with your growing needs, particularly in applications involving smart cities and large industrial setups.
Future trends in IoT sensors
The IoT sensor market is continually evolving, with several trends shaping its future. Sensors are getting smaller, which enables their integration with a broader range of devices and applications. The benefit is that latency can be reduced and bandwidth costs are lowered, which in turn enables faster decisions to be made.
The further incorporation of AI enhances the abilities of sensors to anticipate asset fatigue through predictive maintenance and to detect aberrations that would otherwise go undetected, while also enabling more sophisticated automation functions.
Devices optimised for energy efficiency and environmentally friendly sensors have clear advantages with regard to the long-term sustainability of our planet and can thus be considered as a top priority for all eco-friendly applications.
IoT sensors form the backbone of IoT applications, helping to drive smart decision-making and enable more efficient operations across businesses, processes, regions and lives. Being aware of the different IoT sensor types, advantages and selection considerations allows you to take advantage of this emerging technology to do more, do better and do things differently. Remember to stay on top of the latest IoT sensor trends and developments to stay ahead of the game and be competitive. You’re a tech geek looking for ways to make a splash? Pick up an IoT sensor. An entrepreneur wanting to build a smart sensing solution for a business to thrive? Consider IoT sensors. Coding ninja looking to provide top-notch functionality to your owners, users and customers? IoT sensors are where it’s at.
Article by Magda Dąbrowska, editor at WeKnow Media
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