Industrial Automation Sensors

As today’s factories evolve and continue to focus on efficiency, productivity and reliability, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors are continuing to enable industrial automation operations. These sensors are seeing expanded use to monitor machines and systems in order to provide real time data to facilities staff, engineers and maintenance staff. Instead of relying on periodic checks by employees or test equipment, IIoT sensors provide data 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on critical assets, manufacturing equipment as well as the factory work environment for the employees and equipment. This means that equipment stays up and running more reliably and that minor issues are caught before major breakdowns occur. It also means that employees can operate in a safe and comfortable environment which increases productivity and helps minimize illnesses and off time. The connectivity of sensors and sensor data to the cloud and to sophisticated software and analytics has allowed managers to look at trends as well as to pinpoint potential issues with equipment and other assets. Automation and robotics continue to pervade the modern workplace allowing work and processes to be more efficient while also improving the overall quality and reliability of products being manufactured.

 Sensors are the backbone of the new industrial automation revolution since they provide the real time data to the systems and the analytics that then enables informed decisions concerning maintenance, efficiency and productivity. Manufacturing facilities can use a wide variety of IIoT sensors to monitor assets and equipment as well as production lines. In some cases, machines can be programmed to automatically shut off when sensors reach thresholds to prevent breakdowns, expensive damages or accidents. TE Connectivity (TE) manufactures a wide range of rugged and reliable sensors for industrial applications including ones that sense vibration, pressure, temperature, position, humidity, force, speed and more. These sensors play a critical role in improving today’s factories by facilitating or improving predictive maintenance, asset monitoring, machine automation as well as environmental monitoring and control. TE’s sensors are designed to provide accurate and reliable data in harsh industrial environments that can include high vibration, wide temperature swings as well as dust, dirt and high levels of EMI. OEMs rely on TE to provide the right sensor to meet their needs for the IIoT evolution for both today and beyond.