Smart Sensors

If you’ve ever passed under a streetlamp that automatically switched on, or used doors that automatically open when you get close to them, then you’ve already been introduced to smart sensors.

A smart sensor is a device that takes information from a physical environment and, after analysing this information, acts on it. Simply put, smart sensors are the convergence of both a sensor and an actuator.

A smart sensor combines a traditional sensing element with integrated computing and communication capabilities. The base sensor detects physical factors such as heat or pressure, producing an analogue signal that must be refined through signal processing. An onboard microprocessor filters out noise and converts this signal into a usable digital format. In addition, smart sensors feature built-in communication technology that allows them to connect to private cloud systems or the internet, enabling seamless data exchange with external devices. By utilising Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), these sensors are able to handle large volumes of data rapidly and efficiently.

Smart sensors have a variety of uses across a number of different industries, ranging from infrastructure and agriculture to healthcare and smart homes. Utilities use smart sensors to manage power grids, identify pipe leaks and track energy usage. In agriculture, smart sensors can track soil moisture levels and livestock; in healthcare, these sensors gather data such as heart rates and blood oxygen levels and notify patients or staff if vitals are unstable. When it comes to smart homes, homeowners can monitor and adjust thermostats remotely, set up automatic lights that switch on or off according to predetermined criteria, and, as discussed in our What Is AIoT? article, enhance home security.

Smart sensors have found their strongest foothold in the industrial sector, where they contribute towards automation processes, enable process control, and ensure quality control by closely monitoring manufacturing processes, which ultimately reduces the number of manual tasks that need to be performed.

The advantages offered by smart sensors include energy efficiency and sustainability, responsiveness to even the slightest change in conditions, increased remote data collection, high data-transfer speed, as well as built-in analytics and processing.

While predominantly advantageous, it remains important to note some of the drawbacks of smart sensors. Without thorough cybersecurity measures, sensors can be susceptible to tampering and hacking. Many smart sensor devices can also be costly to implement and maintain. Another concern lies in the skill level required to utilise and maintain these devices – additional training may be required, or even the hiring of new specialised staff. It is also crucial that the devices have adequate power available and stable connectivity to handle large volumes of data.

Smart sensors are set to play an increasingly pivotal role across industries - from smart cities and infrastructure management to healthcare and environmental monitoring. As artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to evolve, these sensors will not only collect data but also interpret it in real time, enabling systems that can predict issues, adapt automatically, and support better decision-making. This combination of sensing and intelligence is already beginning to reshape how we design, manage, and experience the world around us.