Sensors have always been an integral part of the IoT (Internet of Things), and one of its counterparts is Industrial IoT solutions or IIoT sensors.
In the year 2022, IoT and IoT-related solutions are all that we hear. Today, never like ever, IoT connectivity is empowering all kinds of physical sensors to send the data automatically to virtual dashboards with mere human interaction.
Sensors are not a new thing, industries of almost all domains use one or the other sensors but the integration of sensors with the IoT is the next level of evolution for sensors. The Internet of Things shows some promising features that can solve some massive problems for industries.
And thus, when industries trail industrial IoT solutions, they often start by exploring the types of IIoT sensors that are available on the market.
Operating managers will have an idea of what kinds of processes they want to monitor, but they will not know how much is possible.
Sensor technology is improving rapidly, and thus it becomes difficult to be aware of the top and latest innovations in the field. These days, there are hundreds of IoT sensors with thousands of applications and use cases.
So, we present to you the list of the top 10 most commonly used sensors for Industrial IoT solutions.
However, before listing these sensors we will explain industrial IoT solutions and the difference between IoT and IIoT sensors. Along with the categories of industrial solutions.
So, let's start!
What Are Industrial IoT Solutions Anyway?
By far, you must have got an idea that IoT solutions and Industrial IoT solutions are two different things.
The IIoT sensors observe machines and systems to give real-time data to the operating staff. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors are utilized for different purposes, such as monitoring equipment, capital, systems, and overall performance.
The real-time data provided is then analyzed and transferred to the company’s centralized system. And from the data, the management can make an informed decision about their priorities and future asset needs.
For instance, take the Tesla vehicles. All the sensors and devices on the Tesla car record the acumen of the surroundings and upload the information into a massive data collection. The collected data is then refined and all the important information is transferred to all the other vehicles.
The Difference Between IoT and IIoT Sensors
This whole difference between IoT AND IIoT sensors lies in how meticulous the worth is. The Internet of Things is a quite big category that includes all devices that can be connected to the internet, like our smartphones. And Industrial IoT solutions also fall under the IoT sensors and devices. However, this is a category that demands meticulous standards. These standards will ensure that data from common systems to complex machinery stays safe.
The Benefits Of IIoT Sensors
IIoT sensors help industries to keep a better check on their data and equipment in order to minimize the cost and observe better integration of information. The benefits of using IIoT sensors are greater accuracy, increased uptime, and good profit margins in the long run.
The primary benefits offered by IIoT sensors are:
- Tracking Improvements
- Saving Costs
- Integration Potential
Tracking Improvements
IIoT sensors offer round-the-clock monitoring of essential equipment instead of depending on the old periodic manual checks. This can be very crucial in collecting information on assets that are remotely located.
Saving Costs
The price of sensors has dropped dramatically in the past few years. Plus, the use of sensors also reduces the labor cost in device monitoring. By touching the less expensive maintenance tasks, sensors will eventually lower the total amount spent on emergency repairs.
Integration Potential
The data collected by sensors can be transferred to a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) for detailed analysis. This will enable the manager to observe the historic trends of any specific asset, and they can also pinpoint the failures and the frequency of failures. This process of data integration will surely help in making better future business decisions.
The 10 Most Commonly Used Sensors For Industrial IoT Solutions
As I said earlier, there are thousands of sensors available on the market for all kinds of industrial applications. Some of them fit into a general category, while there are some specific sensors that can be availed based on particular requirements.
Here is the whole list of the 10 most commonly used sensors for Industrial IoT solutions:
- Temperature sensors
- Vibration sensors
- Proximity sensors
- Gas sensors
- Humidity sensors
- Security sensors
- Level sensors
- Pressure sensors
- Infrared sensors
- Theft sensors
Now, let’s look at all these points one by one.
Temperature Sensors
The temperature sensors always make sure that the resources always stay within a safe temperature range. This will prevent the overheating of any resources, generally the boilers. A few years back, the only role of temperature sensors was in A/C control, refrigerators, and some other similar devices that are utilized for environmental controls. However, with the advancement of the IoT world, temperature sensors have now found applications in manufacturing processes, agriculture, and the health industry.
Vibration Sensors
Vibration sensors keep an eye on the vibration levels of certain resources. Most often, vibrations point out potential failures that are present on the prospect. With the help of vibration sensors, the maintenance technicians can be stationed to examine the equipment that is vibrating and make the repairs immediately.
Proximity Sensors
Proximity sensors are utilized for contactless detection of objects near the sensors. The proximity sensors mostly emit electromagnetic fields or radiation like infrared. These sensors have some interesting applications. For example, in retail, proximity sensors can detect the motion of the customers and the products the customers need. Through the use of proximity sensors, the customers can be notified of special offers and discounts on their favored products. These sensors also have use cases in malls, stadiums, and airports. They can also be used in the manufacturing lines of industries.
Gas Sensors
The gas sensors are built to alert the maintenance crew if smoke or any other kind of gas leak is detected in an area. As sometimes there are dangerous cases that can result in significant health and safety problems for employees.
Humidity Sensors
Based on the sensitivity of the nearby report, a facility might need to observe the surrounding humidity levels. However, an acceptable range can be set for these sensors, like on what levels they can fall out, or the distance through which the alerts can be sent instantly.
Security Sensors
Security sensors are generally positioned near the windows and doors to monitor any kind of specific motion in those areas. Therefore, if a company is in need of high-security levels, these security sensors can help detect unwanted visitors on their premises.
Level Sensors
As the name implies, level sensors are used for monitoring the level of any particular fluid in equipment. Sometimes, certain low levels can threaten the resource performance, and in such cases, alerts can be sent so that the levels can be maintained. Level sensors can also detect powders and other materials.
Pressure Sensors
Pressure sensors are designed to detect pressure changes in gases and liquids. So, when the pressure of the substance changes, the sensor detects these changes and alerts the connected systems. Some of the common applications of pressure sensors are leakage testing, which can result in severe effects.
Infrared Sensors
These types of sensors are designed to sense the surrounding environment by either emitting infrared radiation or detecting the radiation. These infrared sensors can also detect the heat emitted by the resources. Infrared sensors can also find applications in different IoT projects in the healthcare sector as they can observe the blood flow and blood pressure.
The best examples are the television remotes- with the help of infrared sensors, the television can decipher the signals sent from the remote control.
Theft Sensors
These are the famous sensors that are used frequently in retail. Theft sensors can be fixed with valuable items to make sure they remain in an acceptable location. Industries can fix these theft sensors to their expensive tools and assets.
Industries that Need Industrial IoT sensors
A broad range of industries can benefit from IIoT sensors. Some of the big industries that can use IIoT sensors are:
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Fleet management
- Oil and gas
Internet of Things (IoT) Sensors: The Backbone of Your Industrial IoT Solutions
So, we have seen 10 different types of sensors and the only thing left is to know why we need these sensors. And why should we connect them to the internet?
Well, these are the questions that your clients will definitely ask, as some major brands also question the value behind the “IoT'' part.
According to a survey done by Salesforce, IoT is among the top three technologies that are believed to transform the expectations of the organizations along with AI and cybersecurity.
The Internet of Things is fundamentally transforming the way we live and work. And because of this revolutionary trend, sensor companies are innovating faster to keep up with this increasing diversity of things.
And without smart sensors, it is not possible to connect the machinery to the internet.
And that is why the IoT part matters the most- today.
We are a web and software development company and we also provide various IoT solutions. If you have any doubt regarding IoTs or IIoT sensors, feel free to contact us.
Meanwhile, Happy learning!
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