Four interesting applications for sensors
29.04.2019
Sensors are being used on a wide scale especially in a constantly developing world that is eager to automate processes for the benefit of the people as well as the environment. Four major application areas of sensors have been elaborated in the article.
A sensor can be defined as a device that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical environment. According to a report by Research and Markets, the global wireless sensors market is expected to reach 9.8 billion dollars by 2023. In today’s age, there are a range of applications in which sensors can be utilised. MM International lists down a few of them:
Smart cities – Sensors play a crucial role in developing a smart city. After all, a smart city is all about smart technology and sensors is one of them. In a smart city, sensors are capable of controlling the street lights by switching off when there is no movement on the roads at night. Via an app, sensors also assist people to locate vacant parking spots by making use of lighting and metal detectors. It is also used to record traffic congestion on the roads. In case of an accident or traffic jams, the sensors send out signals to the local municipality who can then caution the others driving in the same direction to take an alternative route to their respective destinations. In a smart city, sensors are installed on street lights to monitor the environment as well in terms of air pollution, noise pollution, etc.
Smart homes – Smart homes are dominated with sensors, for instance, the lights of the house are switched on once a person enters home from outside and automatically switches off when the person leaves home. Sensors also prove beneficial in case a thief breaks a window or sneaks through the door into the house as an alarm or notification is sent to the home’s owner and one can quickly take immediate action. Fire outbreaks and water leaks can also be detected by these sensors. In addition to this, numerous home appliances can also be controlled to save costs as well as energy.
Smart factories/Plants – With a growing trend to develop smart factories across the globe, these factories of the future are also incorporating sensors in their production lines. Right from detecting errors/faults in the functioning of the machines or production processes to monitoring the temperatures and levels of toxic gases inside chemical plants, sensors are being used on a large scale and the demand for it is also expected to rise significantly.
Driverless vehicles – The world is looking towards autonomous cars as the new mode of transportation. This new version will be embedded with different types of sensors to navigate the route, detect speed and force, ensure safety of the driver or passenger, etc. For instance, the American automotive major Tesla makes use of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to detect lanes and nearby vehicles.
With the growth of these four segments, the demand for sensors is also expected to increase rapidly in the near future.