Description

This issue of Sensor TechVision TOE highlights advancements in 3D vision sensors for improved imaging and inspection of items, smart beacons equipped with sensors for the Internet of Things that can cover a very wide area, energy-efficient and high-speed carbon dioxide sensors, Lidar sensors with the ability to see through obstacles such as floliage, and biosensors for efficient pathogen detection.

Sensor TechVision Opportunity Engine (TOE) captures global sensor-related innovations and developments on a weekly basis. Innovations are directed toward developing smart and intelligent sensors with functionalities beyond sensing. Research focus areas include: low power sensors (energy harvesting), industrial automation sensors (M2M, vision sensor), ubiquitous sensor (WSN, sensor fusion), smart sensors (wearables, quantified self), high sensitivity and smaller size (MEMS, nanosensors), and improved security (CBRNE, terahertz).

The need for low power, smaller, lighter sensors with enhanced performance attributes and minimal false alarms is driving innovations in the sensors space. The Sensors and Instrumentation cluster covers innovations pertaining to technologies such as wireless sensors and networks, energy harvesting, haptics and touch, MEMS and nanosensors, Terahertz, ubiquitous/smart sensors, CBRNE, quantified-self, sensor fusion, M2M communications, and drones.

Keywords: 3D vision sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, LEDs, Lidar, sensor beacons, biosensors