IoT sensors are driving key developments in the digital age. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a vast network of physical objects embedded with connected sensors. It provides seamless connectivity within society and allows people worldwide to live and work more comfortably and efficiently. It also automates mundane tasks and offers valuable performance insights to optimise business operations.

As a result, digitisation is rapidly ramping up. The global market for digital transformation is expected to more than double between 2020 and 2025. It is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5%. We also increasingly rely on connected devices to monitor critical functions. It is therefore vital that IoT-enabled devices have access to accurate, real-time data to ensure their safe and effective operation. The market for IoT sensors is predicted to register a CAGR of 24.05% between 2021 and 2026.

IoT sensors provide data for people and machines alike to access and interpret. This allows for much more accurate monitoring of equipment performance and energy efficiency. So, what role do sensors play within IoT devices, and what lies ahead for sensor technology within the IoT market?

The IoT has made it possible to connect everyday objects to the internet. As a result, most people are constantly surrounded by networks of IoT sensors. These networks collect data from almost everything, from smart fridges to entire office buildings. The vast majority of IoT designs are for software apps. However, it is the hardware behind these apps – processors, sensors and communications chips – that makes it all possible.

Sensor technology makes up the backbone of the IoT, which drives digital transformation in almost every sector. An IoT sensor is a device that detects specific changes in its environment, such as temperature, proximity, light or speed. It communicates this information as data to the cloud via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite or an ethernet connection. The data can then be processed by software and relayed in a user-friendly way.

These smart devices have been integral to electronics for decades. They are used for accurate monitoring and control in sensitive environments, including industrial, military and healthcare settings. Today, wireless sensors are all around us and contribute to several core functions across a range of industries.

The vital information and insights provided by IoT sensors aid the advancement of new technology. They also fuel the rapid proliferation of consumer and industrial electronics. For example, sensor technology provides the foundational data required to develop industrial robotics. It also supports artificial intelligence technologies that are integral to modern manufacturing processes. IoT technology is now mainstream thanks to wearable technology like smart watches. These devices have built-in sensors to detect biometric data, such as heart rates and sleeping patterns.

Because IoT sensors facilitate miniaturisation, integration and enhanced functionality, their applications are almost limitless. From predictive maintenance to security and process automation, this technology offers huge benefits. The next generation of sensor technology has the potential to transform multiple industries. As the cost of IoT sensors decreases, the number of internet-connected devices will grow rapidly. This expansion includes everything from smart cars to industrial robotics and home appliances.

For example, medical sensors already play a critical role in operating medical devices safely. The coronavirus pandemic acted as a powerful catalyst for further technological innovation, particularly in medical electronics manufacturing. We expect significant developments to continue in this field. Wearable technology developers at Apple are working on glucose and blood pressure sensors. These could help with the daily monitoring of conditions such as diabetes. Researchers at FaceBit have even developed a lightweight, reusable face mask sensor. It tells users how well their mask works by detecting pressure changes and breathing rates.

As global warming continues to threaten our ecosystems, IoT sensor manufacturers will also play a crucial part in climate action. Digitisation is key to developing new ways to monitor pollution’s impact on public health. One example is equipping wearable devices with sensors that detect noise, heat and airborne pollutants. In addition, IoT sensors are used worldwide in environmental research. This saves valuable time and removes the need for human intervention in dangerous settings.

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