The Internet of Things (IoT) is considered the transformer of traditional devices into data-driven-performing devices. As we know, businesses from different industries have been using various types of IoT sensors since a long time.
IoT showcases the way businesses and devices operate earlier. And the introduction of the Internet of Things has accelerated the evolution of sensors to a whole new level.
From collecting and sharing the information IoT sensors improve the effectiveness and functionality of the devices.
However, with the innovation and demand, IoT services have led to the market potential of various industries. As a leading IoT app development company we are specialized in developing innovative IoT applications.
Day-by-day, the need for IoT is increasing in various sectors including smart homes, auto-drive cars, manufacturing, retail, logistics, healthcare, and many more.
As per the report, “ the global consumer IoT market was worth USD 220.50 billion in 2022 and is predicted to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7% between 2023 and 2030.”
The increasing popularity of technologically advanced products, residential appliances, and auto-drive cars can be attributed to the growth in the future.
Let’s take a look at the most used IoT sensors which are pillars of the Internet of Things applications…
What are IoT sensors?
Sensors in the Internet of Things are connectors that collect real-time data and transform it into actionable data which can be comprehensible by other instruments. Later on, the data can be viewed in a user-friendly manner in the app.
For instance, the temperature devices collect the data, and then IoT sensors translate and format the data into actionable insights which can be viewed on the app.
What benefits do IoT sensors bring to the table?
IoT sensors play an important role in the Internet of Things applications because the raw data which is source data is collected by IoT sensors.
For instance, if A jet engine in an aircraft stops working, this moment will be detected by the IoT sensors, and then it will immediately send a signal to the parent host to take the necessary steps or actions.
Image source: Renkeer.com
However, a similar type of technology has been developed earlier to collect data or information. For instance, radar generates radio waves, listen and grab the reflection which are directed to the electronic equipment for processing.
But, the Internet of Things has made it easier to connect everyday devices which include home applications to manufacturing machines. In addition, IoT technology can be used to mine and analyze different types of data for different purposes.
What are the most used sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT)?
There are dozens of different IoT sensors which can be modified based on the data type to capture, and accordingly, they are designed, build. However, we will take a look into the common IoT sensors which are most used in IoT applications.
1. Temperature Sensors:
IoT Temperature sensors are found to be the most basic sensors in the IoT ecosystem. Because it is present in your refrigerator, Air conditioner, and aerospace.
Features of temperature sensors:
- The temperature sensor technology’s most important feature is to detect the level of temperature through a heat energy source and convert the temperature changes into measurable data.
- For instance, machinery in manufacturing needs to be maintained. Similarly, in agriculture keeping an eye on temperature can help to predict crop growth.
- The Subcategories of sub-temperature sensors include Infrared sensors technology, Thermocouples, IC(semiconductor), Thermistors, and Resistor temperature detectors.
Use-case of temperature sensors:
- Temperature sensor applications are used in various industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, agriculture, and so on.
- However, Temperature sensors are widely used to monitor ambient temperature. Apart from that, it is highly usable for electric power generation, weather station monitoring, food processing, and control.
2. Humidity sensors:
IoT Humidity sensors are mostly used to measure air temperature. It measures the percentage of gasses, water present in the air.
Features of humidity sensors:
- Typically, humidity sensors technology is embedded with temperature sensors which measure how much heat energy is there in the source.
- There are two types of humidity sensors: capacitive and resistive.
- Capacitive features two main layers of an electrode with materials like a dielectric, which absorb the moisture from the air
- On the other hand, resistive sensors track the change between two electrodes with the help of a hygroscopic conductive layer.
Use-cases of humidity sensors:
- In a high-temperature environment, thermal sensors measures exact humidity rather than relative humidity
- Whereas, using humidity sensors can be more effective in terms of standard temperature and when the density of air temperature is normal, to make an accurate measurement.
- However, humidity sensor applications are used in various industries where humidity needs to be controlled for safety, quality, and efficiency reasons. For instance, chemical, refineries, metal, paper, textile, and food processing industries.
3. Water quality sensors:
IoT Water quality sensors ensure that the purity of water remains stable and is measured timely. However, water quality sensors measure the quality of drinking water based on some parameters which include ph levels, level of oxygen dissolved, turbidity, residual chlorine, TDS (total dissolved solids), Nitrate, and salinity.
Features of water quality sensors:
- It provides various water quality management that can help to take appropriate action to preserve the purity of water
- Water efficiency is measured based on certain parameters to maintain the fitness for individual usage and industrial consumption
- There are three types of water quality sensors which include ph sensors, turbidity sensors, and ORP sensors.
Use-case of water quality sensors:
- Water monitoring sensors are used in various ways to measure the RO filters of drinking water, overhead tanks, swimming pools, rivers, and dams.
- Water quality monitoring is used in a variety of industries, including agriculture, food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing
- In addition, it is important to measure water quality in these industries to ensure that products are safe for consumption and manufacturing process remains efficient and effective
4. Image sensors:
These smart gadgets, also known as “Optical Sensors,” are used in various systems to capture images and convert them into digital signals that can be sent over a network.
Features of image sensors:
- They consist of an array of photodetector technology called pixels.
- These sensors detect light and convert it into images, which are then processed into electrical impulses for analysis.
- Image sensors enable IoT devices to perceive and understand their surroundings.
- These sensors can be programmed to interpret photos and provide valuable data for human decision-making.
- Despite their high-quality image and video output, they consume very little power.
- Two types of image sensors use different technologies but produce similar high-quality results.
Use-case of image sensors:
- We use image sensors in our day-to-day life, while capturing photos from the mobile phone, scanning the barcode, and digital camera systems.
- However, it is also being used in drones, medical imaging equipment, thermal imaging devices, and radar sonars.
- These tools can be used for various purposes such as industrial monitoring, smart agriculture, medical imaging, and security surveillance.
5. Pressure Sensors:
IoT Pressure sensors are the most popular IoT sensors among industrial applications, Which are connected to the devices to track the amount of force required to prevent the fluid (which is gaseous and liquid) from spreading.
Features of pressure sensors:
- The pressure sensors are used to detect the amount of pressure and then convert it into electrical conductivity signals and present it in digital format to the devices.
- Pressure sensors are easy-to-use and can be connected with IoT devices modules in less time, they can start generating the data to the visualizer on the computer system once connected to the devices.
- There are two main types of sensors which include a gas pressure sensor and barometric sensors that measure atmospheric pressure.
Use-case of pressure sensors:
- Pressure sensors applications are used in a variety of industries including automotive, medical, industrial, consumer goods, and building devices.
- It ensures that pressure is being controlled as per the standard parameters.
- For instance, in the automotive industry pressure sensors are used to maintain the pressure of typers, tubes, and monitor chambers of the braking system.
6. Level Sensors:
IoT Level sensors are revolutionizing the way liquids and substances are managed. Level sensors are embedded with devices that have versatile capabilities. They serve as invaluable tools for tracking and controlling levels in both open and closed systems.
Features of level sensors:
- First and foremost, level sensors play a pivotal role in precision measurement. They possess the uncanny ability to accurately gauge the quantities of materials, making them the ultimate guardians of quantity management.
- By vigilantly keeping an eye on the fluid levels, these sensors act as vigilant protectors against transportation mishaps arising from pesky overflows.
- Level sensors are divided into two enchanting groups which include invasive and non-contact sensors.
Use-case of level sensors:
- Level sensors are used in many real-world applications such as flight control systems in planes, and process control systems in nuclear reactors, and power plants.
- Water tank level sensors can help reduce water waste by providing real-time data about the water level in a tank.
- For instance, in manufacturing units tracking the level of material or substance is highly important which is done by level sensors.
7. Motion Detector Sensors
IoT Motion sensors detect the physical movements within a certain radius of the vicinity and convert them into electrical signals and then send alerts regarding the presence of someone or something.
Features of motion detector sensors:
- The sensor’s radio waves come in both ultrasonic technology motion sensors and infrared motion sensors.
- However, there is also a third type of sensor which is microwave pulses to detect the presence of objects which requires a larger area compared to the other two.
Use-cases of motion detector sensors:
- Motion detector sensor technology is highly used in commercial buildings and hotels to save energy consumption. For instance, automated door opening, toilet flushes, soap dispensers, hand dryers, and so on.
- However, the major motion detector sensor applications are used in various industries which include security, lighting, energy efficiency, home automation, retail, and healthcare.
Winding-up
However, IoT sensors are essential parts of the Internet of Things ecosystem. IoT technology fulfills the different purposes of different industries. As technology advances, more use cases for IoT sensors will continue to emerge.
However, If you are struggling in your business, we have a key to unlocking solutions for you. You can Contact us to know more about our user-friendly, highly reliable IoT solutions. Schedule a demo now or reach us at info@rydotinfotech.com