C h a p t e r 3
Along with wireless connectivity, a
fundamental technology enabling the IoT
is advanced sensors. You can't control
what you can't measure, and sensors
provide a way to physically characterize
different processes occurring in the real
world.
Sensors can be thought of as serving
one of two roles: sensing the environment
internally or externally.
Internally, sensors can help determine the
state of a machine, including its current,
temperature, and vibration. Insights from
these sensors help enable features such
as predictive maintenance for reducing
system downtime.
External sensors—like those measuring
temperature, humidity, pressure,
and gas concentrations—can help a
machine and users better understand
their environment. On one hand, this
information is useful for the sake of
data collection, if that is the end task.
On the other hand, providing machines
with a deep and dynamic understanding
of their environment allows for process
optimization and enhanced safety.
Beyond collecting data, however, modern
sensors are starting to incorporate many
smart features that increase their value.
For example, a notable trend in modern
sensors is the integration of local data
SENSORS AND SMART
FEATURES
Sensors provide a way of physically
characterizing the different
processes that go on in the real
world because you can't control
what you can't measure."
Adithya Madanahalli
IoT Engineer, Würth Elektronik eiSos
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8 Industry Experts Discuss Trends in the Internet of Things
