Archenholzstraße 78, 22117 Hamburg Germany

How Ultrasonic Sensors Enhance Factory Intelligence

Factories are increasingly adopting full automation, often referred to as “lights-out manufacturing,” to boost efficiency. A crucial element in achieving this level of automation is sensors. Texas Instruments (TI) has produced an animated video showcasing six applications of ultrasonic sensing that exemplify the role of sensors in automation.

  1. ‌Drone Collision Avoidance‌:

    • Drones are used in industrial settings for tasks like aerial photography and package delivery.
    • Ultrasonic sensors in these drones detect obstacles, enabling them to navigate safely.
    • An advantage of ultrasonic technology is its ability to function in any lighting conditions and to detect clear surfaces, such as windows and water.

  2. ‌Automated Door and Gate Sensors‌:

    • Automated doors and gates are prevalent in various locations, including supermarkets, offices, and warehouses.
    • Ultrasonic sensors detect humans or vehicles approaching the door while ignoring smaller objects, enhancing reliability compared to infrared-based solutions.
    • They work reliably even in adverse weather conditions like rain and fog.

  3. ‌Occupancy Detection‌:

    • Occupancy sensors are used in buildings and factories to reduce energy consumption and improve security.
    • These sensors can detect people’s presence in conference rooms, caution zones, or wake appliances from sleep mode when a user approaches.
    • Ultrasonic sensors provide more reliable readings compared to passive-infrared (PIR) sensors, which can be prone to false positives.

  4. ‌Industrial Robot Sensors‌:

    • Robotic arms are utilized in manufacturing and assembly lines for material fabrication and defect detection.
    • Sensors integrated in industrial robots need flexibility and adjustability to accommodate changes in manufacturing processes or end products.
    • Ultrasonic transducers, available in various frequencies, offer advantages in detecting clear objects and providing resolution and range flexibility.

  5. ‌Logistic Robot Sensors‌:

    • Warehouse robots use sensors to transport packages within factories without colliding with walls, objects, or humans.
    • Ultrasonic sensors can detect up to 10 meters with a resolution of 1 centimeter or less.

  6. ‌Level Transmitters‌:

    • In the food and drug industry, contactless level transmitters are essential to avoid product contamination.
    • Ultrasonic sensors are reliable for contactless sensing inside containers and tanks, especially for detecting clear liquids.
    • They can be mounted in various positions to monitor fluid levels and control content inflow and outflow.

Ultrasonic sensors are a reliable choice for proximity, position, and level-sensing applications due to their ability to detect clear surfaces and operate in adverse environments like smoke, fog, or rain. TI provides resources to learn more about ultrasonic sensor integrated circuits and their applications.

For our complete selection of sensor solutions, visit aoisensors.com