20 Trends in Sensors Over the Next Few Years
Previously, Twimbit, a top-tier product research and consulting startup from Singapore, released 20 major trends in global sensor development over the next three years. This article is based on their report titled "Transformational Trends: Paradigm shift continues till 2023," which is part of their global sensor industry research project.
In the report, based on their research data, they forecasted 20 trends in the global sensor industry from 2021 to 2023, which are of considerable reference value. According to my observation, these trends in 2023 are ongoing and may become the direction of development for at least the next five years.
Key points of global sensor transformation
Sensors are evolving towards intelligence, thinking, analytics, and diagnostics, with the ability for self-correction. Intelligent systems are autonomous, ensuring end-to-end efficiency and security.
Wearable and implantable sensors meet a vast array of health prevention needs.
IO-Link enables direct digital data transmission from the Internet of Things to PLCs, which is cost-effective, fast, and has a low data dropout rate.
Technological advancements have facilitated the deployment of natural sensor interfaces that are highly secure and reliable.Rapid detection biosensors meet the need for immediate detection of viruses that could cause pandemics.
Softsensors are gradually replacing the functions of physical sensors to achieve high-precision integrated systems.
An increasing number of non-contact technology platforms are being developed for new sensors because they are safe and do not interfere with the medium. These technologies are also cost-effective.
The adoption of IoT platforms makes it possible for the number of globally connected devices to reach 21.5B (21.5 billion) within the next 3 years.
20 trends in sensor technology transformation
1. 3D sensors provide precise measurements
The technological advancements in 3D depth sensors have facilitated applications in advanced manufacturing, safety systems, intelligent vehicles and transportation systems, interactive games, and service robots.
The penetration of 3D technology into industrial production processes and discrete fields is becoming increasingly widespread. Methods for obtaining three-dimensional visual data include Time of Flight (TOF), structured light, stereoscopic vision, and 3D interferometry inspection.
The impact of 3D depth sensors and tactile imaging sensors on various applications, ranging from consumer electronics to human-machine interfaces, has greatly revolutionized past interactive design experiences. DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) has developed 3D technologies that are widely deployed for military surveillance.
Development focus: The demand for 3D sensors is growing due to the need for high-precision design, operational control, and safety.
2. Acoustics - Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) and Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) sensors
Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) and Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) sensors have been developed as a common platform for a wide range of sensors and biosensors for industrial, health, and consumer applications.
At the beginning of this year, Sensor Kinesis innovated a rapid Ebola detection biosensor based on SAW technology. Since acoustic technology is very affordable, there is a significant opportunity to explore various applications. BAW is also widely used in smartphone speaker applications.
At the beginning of this year, Sensor Kinesis innovated a rapid Ebola virus detection biosensor based on SAW technology.
Due to the affordability of these acoustic technologies, there is a significant opportunity to explore various applications of acoustic technologies. BAW is also widely used in smartphone speaker applications.
Development focus: The potential of using acoustic technologies to detect a wide range of measured parameters has created many application scenarios. The massive replacement and expansion of smartphones and similar portable devices ensure a huge market demand.
3. The use of energy harvesting enables sensors to operate independently
Remote standalone sensors, wireless sensors, and continuous monitoring sensors require self-powering. To achieve self-powering of sensors, we are deploying a large number of sensor energy harvesters.
These micro-energy recovery systems generate electricity from various sources, including solar, vibration, and thermal energy. It has penetrated multiple fields, including aerospace, automotive, environmental monitoring, consumer electronics, medical devices, implantable sensors, homeland security, and defense.
Lord Microstrain has developed a new method that uses piezoelectric materials to convert strain energy into electrical energy storage.
Development focus: Independent continuous power supply and integrated sensor triggering needs.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Creates Thinking Sensors
The technological development of machine learning enables machines to think like humans with the help of computers, possessing characteristics such as voice recognition, language translation, and visual perception.
Embedded Artificial Intelligence (AI) endows machines with the ability to make real-time decisions. The proliferation of AI sensors is leading to changes in precise control applications in both process and discrete industrial spaces. AI is gradually penetrating into the commercial and consumer sectors.
Development Focus: There is a significant increase in sensors with intelligent real-time data analysis and process correction functions. In addition, the interactivity of field devices is more precise and complete.
5. Combination and Hybrid Sensors Promote Multi-Parameter Detection Applications
Combination sensors are deployed to monitor multiple parameters. They are used in places that are hard to reach, as well as in closed-loop automation applications. Temperature + Humidity, Pressure + Flow, Vibration + Acceleration + Deceleration are among the most deployed combination sensors. Technicians are working hard to develop more combinations for real-time simultaneous detection of various parameters.
Development Focus: Existing sensors will gradually transition into combination sensors.
6. Digital Health Platforms Ensure Health
There is an increasing reliance on sensors for both prevention and diagnosis of health issues. Sensor applications include life support implants, preventive measures, long-term monitoring for disabled and critically ill patients, robotic surgery, and remote patient monitoring.
The medical point and home diagnosis market's dependence on sensors is growing. IoT-compatible and wearable sensors are thriving in health applications. Sensors contribute to elderly care monitoring. They have evolved into various medical applications, with artificial intelligence, DNA testing, 3D-printed organs, and IoT digital platforms changing the existing health prevention models.
According to CB Insights' 2020 report, "There were $80.6 billion in funding and 55,000 venture capital deals. Funding increased year-over-year in North America, Asia, and Europe. In 2020, there were 187 large healthcare funding rounds (over $100 million), setting a new record." Sensors continue to benefit from such medical investments.
Development Focus: High precision, speed, remote patient access interfaces, and updatable features strengthen sensors' penetration into health assurance.
7. Wireless Sensor Networks Ensure Connectivity
The Distance Energy Clustering Structure Algorithm (DECSA) is a significant improvement over the Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy Protocol (LEACH). DECSA considers the distance and remaining energy information of nodes, increasing lifespan and reducing energy consumption.
Development Focus: Low-energy clustering improves the efficiency and speed of wireless networks.
8. New Smart Sensors
New smart sensors are becoming more intelligent, with more of them being used in various applications.
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 failures. The technology is expected to generate cognitive properties in sensors.
Development Focus: This is a huge growth opportunity for all smart sensors. They facilitate various applications that require high-precision control.
9. IO-Link Digitalization Accelerates Data Transfer
IO-Link enables digital connections, directly transmitting data from sensors to IoT interfaces and programmable logic controllers (PLC). Compared to analog technology, IO-Link technology is cost-effective.
IO-Link is a short-distance, bidirectional, digital, point-to-point, wired or wireless industrial communication network. Connections follow the IEC-61131-9, IEC 60947-5-2 standards. IO-Link controls the communication of IO-Link sensors, devices, and systems, whether they are intelligent or not.
Development Focus: Most systems are transitioning to digital platforms, and IO-Link allows direct data transmission from sensors to IoT and PLC, which may promote widespread use.
10. IoT Enables Remote Monitoring
With the support of IoT sensors, the industrial and commercial sectors are gradually transitioning to remote monitoring. These sensors enable managers to perform critical control functions remotely using IoT platforms, especially in large plants such as petrochemical and refineries. The use of real-time monitoring and control with IoT platforms, regardless of the criticality, ensures zero downtime, absolute safety, high efficiency, and the entire process.
Development Focus: IoT is being widely used, and most sensors are now compatible with IoT platforms. It is expected that by 2023, the number of IoT devices will reach 2.15 billion.
11. LiDAR captures millions of data points in real time
Recently, LiDAR, a non-contact sensor, has been developed with various wavelength bands to meet the application needs of automobiles, environmental monitoring, wind energy, surveying, and aerospace, among others.
The diversity of LiDAR products depends on their applications, and reducing the size of LiDAR products is a continuous effort for engineers and technical experts. LiDAR is one of the sensors with an expanding application field.
Development focus: Research and development of LiDAR products that support higher adoption rates.
12. Natural user interfaces and sensory capture
High sensitivity in voice, touch, and gesture has made them the primary ways of interacting with computers, and precise device positioning and mapping sensors enable various new interaction modes.
Growth focus: Transitioning to natural interfaces ensures safety, cost-effectiveness, and accuracy.
13. Non-contact sensing technology
Non-contact sensing technologies, such as infrared, optical, ultrasonic, magnetic, laser, LiDAR, imaging, and acoustic, are undergoing technological development and increasingly widespread deployment.
Currently, infrared temperature sensors are in high demand for the detection and monitoring of the coronavirus. Industrial hygiene and health applications have a strong demand for non-contact technologies.
Growth focus: Non-contact sensors will penetrate most applications due to their higher accuracy.
14. Rapid detection biosensors promote timely diagnosis
The development of rapid detection biosensor devices eliminates the need for sample enrichment before detecting various pathogens, including food, Ebola, and COVID-19.
There are two detection methods for food pathogens like E. coli: one can detect up to two pathogens, and another still in trials can detect up to four pathogens.
Recently, Sensor Kinesis developed a rapid detection biosensor based on Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology for detecting bacteria. For the detection of COVID-19 disease, a rapid point-of-care test based on isothermal DNA amplification was developed in early 2020. CRISPR gene-editing tools benefit from the high sensitivity and specificity of molecular diagnostics and the ease of use of lateral flow detection. Sample pooling and DNA sequencing have accelerated the large-scale testing of emerging rapid detection biosensors.
Growth focus: The demand for rapid detection of atypical coronavirus has driven this growth.
15. Sensor fusion enables real-time intelligent decision-making
Smart sensors are accelerating the development of autonomous vehicles, supporting sensor fusion technologies from low to high levels in vehicle safety systems.
Sensors have embedded intelligence for accurate decision-making and real-time operations. Fusing data from multiple sensors is to leverage the advantages of different sensors. These smart sensors enable automated vehicles to integrate systems, data analysis, and control.
Growth focus: Sensor integration systems require data fusion from sensors to achieve higher levels of intelligent operation. Transitioning to sensor integration systems involves all end-users, bringing significant business opportunities.
16. Sensors in drones
Drones are considered components of flying sensors, entirely dependent on sensors.
The types of sensors used in drones include LiDAR, tilt sensors, inertial measurement units, current sensors, magnetic sensors, anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) sensors, accelerometers, engine air flow sensors, GPS, gyroscopes, position sensors, and some temperature sensors. Communication control with connected sensors, devices, and systems ensures safety and accuracy.
GoPro, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, 3D Robotics, Parrot SA, Yuneec, Autel Robotics, Hubsan, and Aerovironment are the main drone manufacturers competing in this market.
Drones are penetrating applications such as mail delivery, express delivery, surveillance, mapping, and measurement and are beginning to expand into multiple vertical markets.
Development focus: The drone market is in its infancy, with significant growth opportunities.
17. Sensors penetrate various applications
The widespread application of sensors in all end-user markets has led to an increasing demand for sensors in all regions. Sensors are used in every application that requires sensing and have become the eyes, ears, advisors, and even crisis managers of most automation systems.
Developing new sensors for existing and potential applications, upgrading existing sensors, and adopting product differentiation strategies will create higher market growth and penetration.
Development focus: It is estimated that increasing reliance on sensors will lead to a growing demand for sensors in the coming years.
18. Transition to Soft Sensors for High-Precision Integrated Systems
An increasing number of sensor applications are transitioning to soft sensors (softsensor). This trend is most pronounced in process automation, where many control functions are activated by software and assisted by computers. It allows for easy customization of process control and discrete functions, and a higher level of automation reinforces this trend.
High reliability and high precision are hallmarks of soft sensors, for example, soft sensors based on pH values for water treatment and for detecting peak load events.
Development focus: Soft sensors are strongly supported by advanced automation, the Internet of Things, intelligent and real-time analysis systems, and wireless sensor networks.
19. Transformation of Optical Sensor Technology Expands Application Base
Optical technology is ubiquitous. The development of integrated chips is primarily or entirely made of silicon, with optical and electronic components integrated on silicon. Optical and photonics technologies (a part of optical technology) have already found applications in smartphone displays, computing devices, fiber optics, the Internet of Things, medical diagnostics, military enhancements, and industrial precision manufacturing.
Development focus: Opportunities from the solar industry and the exponential growth of the Internet and the Internet of Things.
20. Wearable and Implantable Sensors for Real-Time Health Data Transmission
Innovations in wearable sensors are changing the way health monitoring is conducted. They are playing an increasingly important role in preventive care. Wearable devices provide quantified motion data and various physiological data, enabling accurate diagnosis.
A wide range of sensors are used in these key devices, such as image (CMOS), vibration, blood glucose, and optical sensors.Development focus: There is a significant opportunity to drive the transition to preventive health monitoring. All stakeholders in the healthcare industry, such as federal and state governments, insurance companies, healthcare professionals, fitness experts, and device manufacturers, are working to strengthen preventive care; thus, creating greater opportunities for growth.Conclusion
The article lists the top 20 trends in sensor technology development over the next three years and related development priorities.Sensors are a foundational technology upon which many applications in the world rely, playing a significant role in aerospace, defense, civilian, and many other aspects. For example, the rapid development of smartphones relies on MEMS sensors to provide various intelligent sensing functions.
These trends will not only play a significant role in the next three years but also in the foreseeable future.
This article is from Sensor Expert Network.