Sensors have been a huge part of manufacturing automation. Sensors have many types, including proximity sensors and inductive sensors. But what do sensors do?

Sensors are a device that can detect and receive physical input from the environment and convert it into data. The input can be anything, such as heat and motion. For example, an inductive sensor can detect ferrous metal, while photosensors can recognise the light. 

Proximity sensors are one of the most popular sensors today. A proximity sensor detects input within its scope or covered field. Meanwhile, the inputs can be anything, from light and sound to electromagnetic fields.

Here are the applications of proximity sensors:

1. Manufacturing

Proximity sensors and their subtype, the capacitive proximity sensor, are typically used in factories. What these sensors do is detect whether or not the items are in the right alignment. It also inspects the quality of the products. For example, it can recognise whether the item is missing a piece.

2. Smartphones

Your smartphones have proximity sensors, too! With the help of a proximity sensor, your sensor can detect when it is pointing at the owner’s face for face recognition and unlocking. It can recognise if the smartphone is next to the owner’s ear or inside the pocket.

3. Touch switches

Have you ever wondered how your smartphones and tablets recognise your touches on the screen? It is through the capacitive sensor. These sensors can detect the weak electric charge on the screen whenever our fingers touch the screen. The charge comes from our bodies. It is why when you try to tap the screen with a random object, your smartphone does not respond because there is no electric charge.

4. Automotive

Modern car models have sensors that can detect obstruction around the car, especially in blind spots, to avoid accidents and collisions. The system notifies the driver when the sensor recognises objects around the vehicle.

Proximity sensors in cars are also used in parking. For example, during vertical parking, the system alerts the driver if the bumper or trunk will hit another vehicle on the front or back.

5. Faucets

Hands-free faucets work using proximity sensors. These sensors use infrared lights as their input. The taps usually beam infrared light. When there is a presence of a hand under the faucet spout, the infrared beam will bounce on the skin to the infrared detector. After receiving the infrared light, the tap will open its valve and release water.

These are only a few of the many applications of proximity sensors.

Get your proximity sensors at Pepperl+Fuchs Asia. Visit Pepperl+Fuchs Asia today.