A variety of sensor technologies are being employed to improve the performance of 5G, or mmWave, communications. Sensors can help mmWave systems optimize transmit power to optimize device power consumption and operating range. They can be used to monitor movements within a building environment. Motion sensors such as inertial measurement units (IMUs) can help identify […]
FAQ
How do sensors play into AI’s facial recognition capabilities? part 2
Beyond its ability to improve facial recognition for home security (discussed in Part 1), artificial intelligence (AI) is being applied in several other areas. TSA The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses two types of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) to verify the identity of travelers. First-generation CAT units scan a traveler’s photo identification (ID) and confirm […]
How do sensors play into AI’s facial recognition capabilities? part 1
Among the growing number of applications for artificial intelligence (AI) is advanced imaging capabilities for reliable facial recognition. Reliability is required for effective analysis by law enforcement agencies, access to commercial or industrial complexes, travel, or even a homeowner. While AI enables complex analysis and performs it remarkably quickly, effective analysis requires the best capability […]
FAQ on railroad hot-box-temperature sensing: part 2
Modern electronics should be able to easily solve a temperature-sensing challenge, but the harsh real-world complexities make it a difficult proposition. Part 1 of this article looked at the basic issues of railway bearing failure and detecting these before they happen. This part looks into more details and sensing options. Q: What can the railroad […]
FAQ on railroad hot-box-temperature sensing: part 1
Modern electronics should be able to easily solve a temperature-sensing challenge, but the harsh real-world complexities make it a difficult proposition. Freight railroads are a very important part of the logistics infrastructure around the world for transporting raw materials as well as finished goods. They are a major constituent of intermodal transportation along with trucks, […]
How is sensing used in audio acquisition and broadcasting? Part 2
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates, 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year. In addition to an industrial environment with heavy assembly/processing machinery or a construction site, the workplace can include a sports venue, a tarmac, or a wide-open space when the job includes machinery that […]
How is sensing used in audio acquisition and broadcasting: Part 1
According to the proverb, “seeing is believing,” but hearing something before you can see it can be very important, too. The earliest humans heard and recognized the sounds of predators long before they could see them. If they could see them — it was probably too late to take evasive action. While sound has always […]
What are quantum sensors?
Quantum sensors measure minute changes in electric and magnetic fields as well as motion and the measurements are made at the atomic level. At this scale, information from individual atoms instead of from huge collections of atoms allows quantum sensors to make exponentially more accurate, more thorough, more efficient, and more productive measurements. Using the […]
How do brain-computer interfaces use sensors?
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) activated prosthetics, and other applications need sensors to provide feedback. Intensive work has been and continues to be done in this area. For example, researchers have reported their progress on an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based motor imagery BCI to control the movement of a prosthetic hand. The hand was instrumented with force and angle […]
How can sensors protect vulnerable areas? part 4
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making ongoing efforts to address the unintended and purposeful contamination of the nation’s water supplies. Sensing technologies are an integral part of this strategy. In 2023, the EPA proposed new limits to drinking water contamination from toxic “forever chemicals” or perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Used widely as […]
