Sensors are getting smarter

Sensory study

Inka Krischke, 22.12.2021, 12:41

Sensors are getting smarter

Smart technologies in the field of sensor technology will be in greater demand in the future. The storage of sensor data in the cloud and the use of digital sensor twins are also among the future trends - according to the results of a recent study.

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While only a few machine manufacturers are currently able to access the configuration or status of their sensors via mobile devices or smartphones, more than one in three are planning to do so in the future. The storage of sensor data in the cloud and the use of digital twins of the sensor also point to this trend. These are the findings of a recent independent study conducted by Michaela Rothhöft, research assistant at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, on a freelance basis in collaboration with the VDMA Electrical Automation Association. As part of the study, more than 300 mechanical engineers and engineering firms across Germany provided information on purchasing behavior, technical requirements and future developments in the field of sensor technology in 2021.

Future storage of sensor data

Even if sensors become smarter, the majority of companies still want to store sensor data directly in the processing PLC (72%). However, 30% expect to use a cloud, and this figure rises to 43% for companies with more than 200 employees. As cloud use entails increased security requirements, security (e.g. tampering and access security) will very often be required in the area of sensor technology in the future. One in three also intends to use digital twins of the sensor and/or web services. Artificial intelligence, single-pair Ethernet, augmented reality and a manufacturer cloud, on the other hand, are rarely planned. However, it is also worth noting the many disadvantages that users see when using smart sensors compared to standard sensors. The main criticisms are the need for updates, complexity and manufacturer dependency.

Awareness of sensor manufacturers (excerpt)

The sensor technology market is characterized by a large number of suppliers on the German market. The 300 or so participants in the survey alone stated that they were familiar with 200 different sensor manufacturers. The company ifm electronic was named most frequently with 72%, followed by Sick (57%) and Balluff (48%). Each machine manufacturer listed an average of five sensor manufacturers as suppliers. The fulfillment of technical requirements plays the most important role in the purchasing decision.

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