INCT GmbH
A sensor detects an object by sensing physical changes in its environment—such as light, sound, or magnetic fields—and converting them into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to a controller or processor, allowing machines to recognize the presence or position of an object without physical contact.
One of the most common methods is optical sensing. The sensor emits a beam of light, usually infrared or laser, toward a target area. When the beam is reflected, interrupted, or absorbed by an object, the sensor detects the change in light intensity and sends an output signal.
✅ Through-beam sensors detect when an object blocks the light path.
✅ Retro-reflective sensors use a reflector to return light to the receiver.
✅ Diffuse-reflective sensors detect light reflected directly from the object’s surface.
Not all sensors use light.
✅ Ultrasonic sensors emit sound waves and measure their echo to calculate distance.
✅ Inductive sensors detect metallic objects by sensing changes in magnetic fields.
✅ Capacitive sensors respond to variations in electric fields caused by any material, solid or liquid.
These detection methods allow sensors to identify objects accurately, even under different environmental conditions. In modern factories, robots, and smart systems, sensors act as the “eyes” of machines—helping them locate, measure, and respond automatically to objects in their surroundings.
A sensor detects an object by sensing physical changes in its environment—such as light, sound, or magnetic fields—and converting them into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to a controller or processor, allowing machines to recognize the presence or position of an object without physical contact.
One of the most common methods is optical sensing. The sensor emits a beam of light, usually infrared or laser, toward a target area. When the beam is reflected, interrupted, or absorbed by an object, the sensor detects the change in light intensity and sends an output signal.
✅ Through-beam sensors detect when an object blocks the light path.
✅ Retro-reflective sensors use a reflector to return light to the receiver.
✅ Diffuse-reflective sensors detect light reflected directly from the object’s surface.
Not all sensors use light.
✅ Ultrasonic sensors emit sound waves and measure their echo to calculate distance.
✅ Inductive sensors detect metallic objects by sensing changes in magnetic fields.
✅ Capacitive sensors respond to variations in electric fields caused by any material, solid or liquid.
These detection methods allow sensors to identify objects accurately, even under different environmental conditions. In modern factories, robots, and smart systems, sensors act as the “eyes” of machines—helping them locate, measure, and respond automatically to objects in their surroundings.