AN INTRODUCTION TO PROXIMITY SENSORS AND HOW THEY CAN BE USED

A proximity sensor is a key feature in many modern-day homes and businesses and it can be used in a variety of ways. Here is a basic guide to how this versatile piece of equipment works and where you might find it helpful. 

HOW DOES A PROXIMITY SENSOR WORK?

A proximity sensor uses technology to sense the presence of something or detect that something is missing. There are many different types of proximity sensor, although the main ones are captive sensors, ultrasonic sensors and inductive sensors. 

CAPTIVE SENSORS

A captive proximity sensor uses electric fields to detect things in its range. These are often used to detect position, humidity, fluid level, distance, force, and speed. 

INDUCTIVE SENSORS

An inductive sensor uses magnetic fields to sense things in its range. These are often used in metal detectors, traffic lights, car washes and in many industrial facilities. 

ULTRASONIC SENSORS

An ultrasonic sensor can detect the distance to a wide range of objects, regardless of their makeup or material. They are often used in navigational systems. 

HOW ARE PROXIMITY SENSORS USED

Proximity sensors are used in so many places nowadays and as our reliance on technology increases, so does our need for these useful devices. Here are just some of the places you may find them in use.

• Sensing a person approaching an automatic door in a shop.
• Sensing traffic at traffic lights
• Car washes
• Sensing the presence or absence of an object on a conveyor belt 
• Shutting a factory or industrial system down when a fault has been sensed or a process has been interrupted.
• Counting products or items on a production line
• To direct a robotic vacuum cleaner or lawnmower.
• To direct and guide robots of other varieties.
• Sensing a person and activating safety mechanisms when that person is in danger. 
• Turning on lights or the heating when someone is sensed entering a room.
• Sounding an alarm if an intruder is detected.
• Detecting items and counting them at speed - ideal for assembly lines, dispensary applications, or large inventory management.
• Sensing when a car is nearing an object during parking. 
• Touchless interfaces on mobile phones.
• Detecting when a phone is accidentally touched rather than purposefully, and also sensing when a phone has been placed next to your ear. 

As you can see, a proximity sensor has many different and complex uses. If you would like to buy a proximity sensor then please get in touch, we will happily help you with your needs.