With extreme weather conditions, people directly impacted by the pending situation need to know how severe it will be. For hurricanes, the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale provides a rating from 1 (very dangerous winds that will produce some damage) to 5 (catastrophic damage will occur) based on a hurricane’s maximum sustained wind speed. This approach […]
What sensors indicate the weather: part 1
Temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, wind speed and direction, and possible rainfall (or snowfall) in specific areas are common indicators of current and future weather conditions. However, other sensor inputs, such as pressure drop, air quality, particulate matter (including dust), and more (storm surge), are frequently required to identify and react to extreme weather conditions. The recent hurricanes […]
Does TPMS need a pressure sensor?
It seems obvious that a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), required by several governments, would need a pressure sensor. But that’s not true. Alternative approaches take advantage of other sensing capabilities in a vehicle, computing, and algorithms to implement a solution for TPMS that meets legislated requirements. The alternative, indirect, approach has been used for […]
What sensors are in a digit?
In this case, the digit is a finger. Advanced robots designed to interact on a personal level with humans will need hands that can sense a variety of interactions. Several sensing techniques could be employed to achieve the right level of dexterity and avoid excessive force — some simultaneously and far less for specific applications. Getting the […]
How will LiDAR sensing be used in industrial applications?
Light Detection and Ranging or LiDAR is often used in the latest searches for ancient ruins (lost cities and walls), underwater exploration, and even treasure hunting to display 3D imaging that other techniques cannot provide. LiDAR is also one of the key technologies (besides radar and cameras) that is integrally involved in the quest for […]
What really counts?
Sesame Street’s Count von Count loves to count things. However, depending on what needs to be counted, there are a variety of different techniques. Is it people, objects, steps, or? Counting people Turnstiles are commonly seen at events, fairgrounds, stadiums, arenas, amusement parks, or anywhere pedestrian counting and/or pedestrian crowd control is required. The simplest […]
What are the implications of sensing as a service?
Sensing as a service (S2aaS) is one of the specific categories under the anything (or everything) as a service (XaaS) umbrella. With the Internet of Things (IoT) as its backbone, IoT-based S2aaS includes a variety of offerings and tools that can be purchased and enabled by cloud computing. One market research forecast predicts that the […]
How do sensors impact exoskeletons?
Exoskeletons that enhance a human’s capabilities or enable a human to more readily perform normal tasks are being pursued by several organizations. The former design requirements are the military’s goals, but backpackers and other healthy individuals can take advantage of these designs as well. The latter are desired by individuals with disabilities or physical limitations. […]
What increases a robot’s security capabilities?
The thalamus provides a relay station for the body’s motor functions and sensory inputs. It enables the control of the flow of sensory-motor information to the cerebral cortex. This control occurs during sleep, wakefulness, consciousness, learning, and memory. The sensory information processed includes hearing, taste, sight, and touch—but not smell. Recognizing this essential control over […]
How do sensing, drones, and AI improve crop growth?
Successfully growing high-value crops such as fruit (citrus, apples, grapes, cherries, kiwis, table grapes, pomegranates, and more) and nuts (almonds, pecans, pistachios, and more) requires farmers’ continuous attention. If a problem is not detected, the crop yield could be significantly reduced. Sensors provide the foundation and play an essential role in the evolving detection processes. […]
