Sensors and Actuators: Applications, Purpose, and Working

1. Sensors

Sensor Type Purpose How It Works Applications

Temperature Sensor Measures temperature Changes resistance/voltage with Air conditioners, ovens, weather

Proximity Sensor Detects object presence temperature

Uses IR, ultrasonic, or magnetic Phones,
stations robots, automatic doors

IR Sensor Sensor
Ultrasonic Detects infrared
Measures distance
light fields sound
Senses
Emits heat or and
reflected
measures
IR signals
echo Parking
TV remotes,
sensors,
motion
robots
sensors

LightSensor
Gas Sensor (LDR) Detects gas
light concentration
intensity time
Resistance
Chemical reaction
changes with
alters
lightelectrical Smoke
Streetlights,
detectors,
brightness
gas leak
adjustment
alarms

Accelerometer Measures acceleration properties motion

Detects via capacitance Phones, fitness trackers

Gyroscope
Pressure
Touch
Humidity
Sensor
Sensor
Sensor
2. Actuators Detects touch
Measures rotation
pressure
air moisture change
Converts
Registers
Uses Coriolis
capacitive
force
change
effect
into
orinresistive
electrical
or
electrical
MEMS sensing
signal
signal Drones,agriculture
Weather
Touchscreens,
HVAC, smartphones,
stations,
smart
car devices
tires
VR devices

Actuator Type Purpose How It Works Applications

DC Motor
Servo
Stepper
Solenoid
Relay
Heater
Speaker/Buzzer
Hydraulic
Pneumatic
Motor
Motor
Actuator
Actuator Rotational
Precise
Step-wise
Linear
Switch
Produces
Motion motion
operation
via
angle/position
heat
sound
rotation
motion
fluid
air Electricity
DC
Moves
Magnetic
Electromagnet
Converts
Electric
Pressurized
Compressed
motor
insignal
steps
electric
field
to
with
fluid
mechanical
air
causes
moves
feedback
opens/closes
using
moves
moves
energy
pulses
plunger
vibration
parts
piston
system
motion
to heat
circuit Fans,
RC
3D
Door
Home
Ovens,
Alarms,
Excavators,
Robotics,
printers,
cars,
locks,
robots
automation,
incubators
multimedia
robotic
packaging
pinball
CNC
aircraft
arms
machines
machines
circuit
devices
controls
systems
control