Sensors endow everything with "sensory" functions; they serve as the "language" for communication between objects in the era of "Internet of Everything." As one of the three pillars of information technology, sensing technology is becoming an important driving force for the development of information industry, and also an important driving force for the development of economic and social information and digitalization. Thanks to the continuous demand for intelligent digitalization in the fields of new energy vehicles, industrial automation, medical and environmental protection consumption, the sensor industry is welcoming more development space. According to CCID Consulting data, the scale of China's sensor market is about 285.18 billion yuan in 2021, and it is expected to exceed 380 billion yuan by 2023.
The overall development direction of sensors will be: miniaturization, digitalization, intelligence, multifunction, systematization and networking. In the next decade, it will be the main battlefield of artificial intelligence + industrial Internet of Things, and perception is the foundation of digitalization and intelligence. To better adapt to the future, sensors have the following 10 changing trends.
1. The use of energy collection enables the sensor to operate independently
Remote individual sensors, wireless sensors and continuous monitoring sensors need self-power supply. In order to realize the self-power supply of sensors, we are deploying a large number of sensor energy collectors. These micro-energy recovery systems generate electricity from various sources such as solar energy, vibration and heat energy. It penetrates many fields such as aerospace, automobile, environmental monitoring, consumer electronics, medical equipment, implantable sensors, homeland security and national defense. Lord Microstrain has developed a new method that uses piezoelectric materials to convert strain energy into electrical energy for storage. Jiejie sensor adopts temperature difference and solar energy comprehensive power taking device, which realizes the self-power supply of the sensor and truly achieves passive wireless.
Development focus: independent continuous power supply and integrated sensor trigger demand.
Passive wireless maintenance-free self-diagnostic temperature and vibration intelligent sensor system
2. 3D sensors bring fine measurement
Technological advances in 3D depth sensors have promoted applications such as advanced manufacturing, safety systems, smart cars and transportation systems, interactive games and service robots. The penetration of 3D technology in industrial production process and discrete field is more and more extensive. Methods for acquiring 3D vision data include time of flight (TOF), structured light, stereo vision and 3D interference inspection. The impact of 3D depth sensors and tactile imaging sensors on various applications, from consumer electronics to human-computer interface, has greatly subverted the past interactive design experience. DARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency) has developed widely deployed 3D technology for military surveillance.
Development focus: The demand for 3D sensors is growing due to the requirements for high-precision design, operational control and safety.
Application of sensors
3. Acoustics-Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) and Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) sensors
Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) and Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) have been developed as universal platforms for a large number of sensors and biosensors for industrial health and consumer applications. At the beginning of this year, Sensor Kinesis innovated a biosensor for rapid Ebola detection based on SAW technology. Because acoustic technology is very cheap, there are great opportunities to explore various applications. BAW is widely used in smartphone speaker applications. At the beginning of this year, Sensor Kinesis innovated a rapid biosensor for Ebola virus detection based on SAW technology. Because these acoustic technologies are very cheap, there are opportunities to explore various application scenarios of acoustic technologies. BAW is also widely used in smartphone speakers.
Development focus: The potential of using acoustic technology to detect a large number of parameters of objects to be detected has created many application scenarios. Large-scale replacement and expansion of smart phones and similar portable devices have ensured huge market demand.
Working principle of sensors
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) creates thinking sensors
With the development of machine learning technology, machines can think like human beings with the help of computers, and have the characteristics of speech recognition, language translation and visual perception. Embedded artificial intelligence (AI) endows machines with the ability of real-time decision-making. The popularity of artificial intelligence sensors is leading to changes in the application scenarios of precision control in process and discrete industrial space. Artificial intelligence is gradually penetrating into the commercial and consumer fields.
Development focus: There are a large number of sensors with intelligent real-time data analysis and process correction functions. In addition, the interactivity of field devices is more accurate and complete
Sensors use in artificial intelligence
5. Combined and hybrid sensors promote the application of multi-parameter detection
Deploy combined sensors to monitor multiple parameters. In addition to hard-to-reach places, they are also used for closed-loop automation applications. Temperature + humidity, pressure + flow, vibration + acceleration + deceleration and other sensors are the most deployed combined sensors. Technicians are working hard to develop more combinations to detect various parameters simultaneously in real time.
Development focus: Existing sensors will be gradually converted into combined sensors.
6. Digital Health Platform Guarantees Health
The prevention and diagnosis of health problems show increasing dependence on sensors. Sensor applications include life support implants, preventive measures, long-term monitoring of disabled and severe patients, robotic surgery and remote patient monitoring. The dependence on sensors in medical points and home diagnosis market is increasing day by day. Internet of Things compatibility and wearable sensors are booming in health applications. Sensors are helpful for elderly care monitoring. They have developed into various medical applications, and artificial intelligence, DNA testing, 3D printing organs and Internet of Things digital platform are changing the existing health prevention mode.
According to the data of CB Insights in the 2020 report, "There are 80.6 billion US dollars in financing and 55,000 venture capitals. Financing in North America, Asia and Europe all increased year on year. In 2020, there were 187 rounds of large-scale financing for health care (over $100 million), setting a new record. ". Sensors continue to benefit from such medical investments.
Development focus: High precision, fast, remote patient access interface and updatable features, which strengthen the penetration of sensors into health protection.
7. Wireless Sensor Networks Ensure Connectivity
Distance Energy Clustering Structure Algorithm (DECSA) is a significant improvement of Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy Protocol (LEACH). DECSA considers the distance of nodes and the information of residual energy to increase service life and reduce energy consumption.
Development focus: Low-energy turnning improves the efficiency and speed of wireless networks.
8. New intelligent sensors
New intelligent sensors are more intelligent, and more and more intelligent sensors are used in various scenes. These smart sensors have accurate functional diagnostic capabilities, and most sensors have shifted from interactive to predictive. A large number of sensors may be used to predict accidents and eliminate faults. This technology is expected to generate cognitive attributes in sensors.
Development focus: This is a huge growth opportunity for all smart sensors. They promote a variety of application requirements that require high-precision control.
Intelligent Wireless Vibration Sensor
9. IO-Link digitalization accelerates data transmission
IO-Link is a short-range, bidirectional, digital, point-to-point, wired or wireless industrial communication network. The connection follows IEC-61131-9 and IEC 60947-5-2 standards. The IO-Link controls communication with connected IO-Link sensors, devices, and systems, whether or not they are intelligent. IO-Link can realize digital connection and directly transfer data from sensors to Internet of Things interface and programmable logic controller (PLC). Compared with simulation technology, IO-Link technology is cost-effective.
Development focus: Most systems are moving to digital platforms, and IO-Link allows direct data transmission from sensors to Internet of Things and PLC, which may promote large-scale use.
10. The Internet of Things realizes remote monitoring
With the support of Internet of Things sensors, the industrial and commercial fields are gradually turning to remote monitoring. These sensors enable managers to remotely use the Internet of Things platform to perform key control functions, especially in large factories such as petrochemicals and refineries. This kind of real-time monitoring and control using the Internet of Things platform can ensure zero downtime, absolute safety, high efficiency and the whole process regardless of the critical degree.
Development focus: The Internet of Things is being widely used, and most sensors are now compatible with the Internet of Things platform. It is estimated that by 2023, the number of Internet of Things devices will reach 21.5 billion.
On-line Monitoring System of Jiejie Sensor Industrial Equipment
Sensor is the basic technology that many applications depend on in the world, and plays an important role in aerospace, national defense, industry, civil and other aspects. For example, the rapid development of smart phones depends on MEMS sensors to provide various intelligent sensing functions. These trends will play an important role in the further future.
The Cornerstone of Digitalization and Intelligence: Ten Transforming Trends of Future Sensors-China.exportsemi.com
