Smart sensors are advanced sensors that are equipped with data processing modules and have the ability to communicate with other devices, which can provide not only basic information about environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure, but also analyse data in real time, detect patterns, and respond to changing conditions. Compared to traditional sensors, smart sensors are able to make decisions based on processed data and collaborate within a network of IoT devices. They can be used in smart buildings, energy management systems, industry, and health care, helping to increase efficiency and improve system safety.
Smart Sensors
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Sensor element: A module that detects changes in the environment, such as changes in temperature, pressure, and gases, and generates an electrical signal.
- Microprocessor: Built-in real-time data processing chip capable of analysing and preprocessing signals.
- Communication module: An interface that enables communication with other devices via various protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and LoRaWAN.
- Software: Built-in data processing algorithms that enable intelligent analysis and decision-making based on predefined rules.
- Power supply: Battery, photovoltaic, or harvesting energy systems.
Industry usage
- Smart buildings: Energy consumption monitoring, motion detection, and lighting control.
- Health care: Body-worn sensors to monitor patients’ vital signs.
- Industry: Monitoring machine status and environmental conditions in real time.
- Agriculture: Monitoring soil moisture and weather conditions to optimise irrigation.
- Logistics: Tracking transport parameters to ensure the safety of goods.
Importance for the economy
Smart sensors are crucial to the development of the Internet of Things as they enable the integration of the physical world with the digital space. They make it possible to monitor, analyse, and optimise processes in real time, which results in increased efficiency in sectors such as industry, agriculture, health care, logistics, and energy management. The use of smart sensors in industry makes it possible to monitor the condition of machines, predict failures, and optimise production, helping to reduce operating costs and minimise losses. In city management, smart sensors support the creation of modern transport, traffic management, and public safety systems.
Related technologies
Artificial Intelligence
Using machine learning for pattern analysis and state prediction from sensor data.
Mechanism of action
- Smart sensors detect specific environmental parameters, process signals in real time, and transmit processed data to a central system or other IoT devices. The sensor records changes in the environment, such as changes in temperature and vibration, and converts them into an electrical signal. Then, a microprocessor analyses the data and decides what information to send to the network. Depending on the configuration, the sensors can perform local calculations, filtering out irrelevant data, and monitor changes in the environment, adapting their operation to current conditions. With their communication and analysis capabilities, they can act as decision-making nodes in larger IoT systems.
Advantages
- Remote monitoring: Ability to control parameters from anywhere in the world.
- Optimisation of energy consumption: Smart power management for devices.
- Rapid detection and response: Real-time response to changing conditions.
- IoT integration: Ability to work with other devices and systems on the network.
- Autonomy: Ability to process data locally without constant communication with the server.
Disadvantages
- Cybersecurity: Risk of data interception and communication manipulation.
- Compatibility issues: The variety of communication protocols can cause integration difficulties.
- High implementation costs: Implementing advanced sensor systems can involve high financial outlays.
- Sensitivity to interference: Electromagnetic interference can affect sensor performance.
- Power problems: Short battery life can limit the functionality of devices.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Integrated circuits: Miniature processors and power management systems.
- Power systems: Long-life batteries or harvesting systems (energy captured from an environment).
- Communication infrastructure: Wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee.
- Specialised software: Tools for analysing and processing sensor data.
- Specialists in electronics and telecommunications: Experts to design and implement IoT systems.
Required competences
- Sensory engineering: Design, selection, and calibration of sensors.
- Electronics: Knowledge of analogue and digital circuits for processing sensor signals.
- Microcontrollers: Programming microprocessor circuits to support smart sensors.
- Metrology: Ability to interpret and analyse measurement data.
- Automation: Integration of sensors with industrial and home automation systems.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Optimisation of energy consumption to minimise environmental impact.
- Waste generated: Difficulties in recycling miniature electronic components.
- Raw material consumption: High demand for rare metals and electronic components.
- Recycling: Problems with recycling due to small size and complex structures of components.
- Emissions of pollutants: Emissions from the production of advanced semiconductor materials.
Legal conditions
- Occupational safety: Standards for the safe installation and use of sensors in harsh environments.
- Data protection: Privacy and security regulations for data sent by sensors (e.g. GDPR).
- Communication standards: Regulations for communication standards for IoT devices.
- Device certification: Standards for product compliance with regulations regarding electromagnetic compatibility and safety of use.
- Export regulations: Regulations for the export of advanced dual-use technologies.