Sensors
Intelligent sensor systems for Industry 4.0
Multi-sensor systems form a crucial basis for the success of Industry 4.0 applications. They record, process, and transmit a number of measurement parameters, such as pressure, acceleration, and temperature, all in a highly compact space. Machines are not the only ones to receive such sensors; workpieces are also increasingly being fitted with the intelligent sensor systems so that each product can provide its blueprint and report its manufacturi...
Bed sensors help detect problems early
Developing and evaluating motion-capture technology to help older adults "age in place" has been the focus of researchers at the University of Missouri for more than a decade. Previous research has utilised video game technology and various web-cameras to detect health changes in Tiger Place residents. Now, two new studies demonstrate how monitoring walking speed using radar and heart health by utilising bed sensors help maintain older adults' he...
Sensor aids pedal power
An electric bike pedal force sensor has been developed by ZEMIC in conjunction with the Netherlands firm SPARTA – a successful e-bike brand in Europe. The sensor is a crucial component in the bike’s drive and control system that detects the pedal force applied, and through software settings determines a proportional amount of assisted motor power at the wheel.
Multi-field invisible sensor maintains high performance
A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has invented a novel camouflage technique that effectively hides thermal and electronic sensors without compromising performance. Led by Assistant Professor Qiu Cheng-Wei from the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at NUS Faculty of Engineering, the team created the world's first multifunctional camouflage shell that renders sensors invisible in both thermal an...
Software enables mobile devices to sense pressure
A software developed by University of Michigan engineers and inspired, in part, by a Batman movie, could give any smartphone the capacity to sense force or pressure on its screen or body. ForcePhone offers new ways for people to command their mobile devices. The software could also enable users to push a bit harder on a screen button to unlock a menu of additional options, similar to right-clicking with a mouse.
Fall-prevention sensors enhance senior care
Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering conducted a survey on falls among the elderly, and discovered that Americans are very worried about their elderly parent falling—and that this worry leads to action. Every 13 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. Every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall-related trauma.
Portable paper sensor monitors sun exposure
Summer is around the corner—time for cookouts and sunbathing. But too much sun can result in sunburn, which is the main cause of skin cancer. Because the time it takes to get burned depends on many factors, it is not easy to tell when to seek shade. To help people stay safe, researchers report in ACS Sensors the development of a paper-based sensor for monitoring sun exposure given different skin tones and sunscreen levels.
Method prepares next-gen carbon monoxide nanosensors
The detection of CO in the air is a vital issue, as CO is a poisonous gas and an environmental pollutant. CO typically derives from the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, such as cooking gas and gasoline; it has no odour, taste, or colour and hence it is difficult to detect. Scientists have been investigating sensors that can determine CO concentration, and a team from the OIST, in tandem with the University of Toulouse, has found an in...
Digital thermometer uses NTC thermistor for sensing
Expanding its DMR20 series of round, miniature digital panel meters, Murata Power Solutions announces the DMR20-1-TMP-R-C digital thermometer. Designed to monitor ambient air temperatures from -40 to +105°C (-40 to +221°F) using an NTC thermistor as the sensing element, this meter is packaged in a round polycarbonate housing designed to easily mount in a 30.5mm (1.2") 'oil tight' panel cut out.
Integrity strategy expanded to make automotive software safer and more secure
It has been announced today that the Software Integrity strategy from Synopsys has been expanded to address the cyber security and safety challenges faced by the automotive industry.