IntermediateTopic 50 of 102Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems
Sensors in automation
Proximity, vision and force sensors detect parts and conditions.
In depth
Automation sensors: proximity (inductive, capacitive), photoelectric, ultrasonic, limit switches, encoders, load cells, pressure, temperature, vision and RFID. Selection by sensing range, target material, response time, environment (IP rating), output type (PNP/NPN, analogue, IO-Link).
Key points
- Sensing distance
- Noise immunity
- Fail-safe wiring
ExampleInductive proximity sensors detect metal parts on a conveyor.
What is Sensors in automation?
Proximity, vision and force sensors detect parts and conditions.
Why is it important to understand sensors in automation?
Sensors give automated systems their awareness of parts and conditions, so the sensor choice decides what the system can detect.
What is a proximity sensor?
A device that detects the presence of an object without contact, such as inductive sensors for metal or capacitive sensors for other materials.
Why use vision in automation?
A camera can check position, shape, colour and defects in a single view, which replaces several single-purpose sensors.
How is Sensors in automation used in practice?
Typical applications include using a proximity sensor to detect a metal part at a station, checking part orientation with a vision camera and measuring the force of a press with a load cell.
What should I learn before Sensors in automation?
Study "Hydraulics" first (topic 49 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Sensors in automation?
Sensing distance. Noise immunity. Fail-safe wiring.
Can you give an example of Sensors in automation?
Inductive proximity sensors detect metal parts on a conveyor.
What comes after Sensors in automation?
The next topic is "Industrial networks", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Sensors in automation?
It is classed as Intermediate in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 50 of 102). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems first.