Advances in miniaturized electronics and ongoing research are developing intelligent sensing devices into highly sophisticated sensors for applications in various fields including security, manufacturing processes, medicine, and research.
Commercially available smart sensors and testing prototypes promise a new way of collecting, transmitting, and processing data from harsh and remote environments. Just as important, they promise better bottom lines for industrialists.
“Because of the flexibility of connecting sensing devices with computers, signal processors, or other electronic devices, it is more useful to think of smart sensing as a concept, rather than a narrowly-defined instrumentality,” states Technical Insight Analyst Michael Valenti.
The current worldwide security alert has spurred the most interesting developments in this sector, exploring novel uses of smart sensors to control access to sensitive facilities and equipment.
Smart sensor integration with manufacturing and imaging systems for production lines are helping to optimize manufacturing processes. Replacement of cables with radio frequency transmission allows remote programming using information collected from sensors located throughout a facility, while radio frequency identification sensors are enabling inventory tracking in warehouses.
Smart sensor technology has also given rise to a new breed of diagnostic instruments.
Companies worldwide are developing smart sensors as an advanced technology to remarkably improve environmental, residential, and industrial processing and monitoring despite the presence of ambient noise.
see Smart Sensors: Global Developments and Growth Opportunities Report: D252
