5 Sensors that will change the world

These 5 sensors are changing the way world operates from self driving cars to robots to everyday living. Though, these are not necessarily designed as sensors but instead used as one. 

Ultrasound Tech

Ultrasound tech is based on the frequency over the 20,000Hz. This frequency is popular in medical field for ultrasound scans but now it seems pretty compelling to use it for tracking. There are a few startups exploring this space. Its even more compelling because of its low power and cost.

Camera

With ML and Deep Learning, engaging with cameras for object detection, face detection as well as motion detection are getting mainstream. In the recent times, cameras are being used extensively in self-driving cars and drones. While Lidars are used for detecting objects, interferences etc, Cameras in a specific geometry are used for a much broader applications like capture further information about objects.

Depth Sensor

Iphone X uses depth sensors for face detection. Depth sensor provides not only the information about the object but also depth data that is critical for robots and drones for e.g. in an indoor environment.

Audio

Using Audio itself as a sensor that help detect who is in the room as well as where the voice is coming from is critical for video conferencing applications. Using a microphone array to detect this is being explored by startups. 

Lidars

Finally, Lidars started out a huge sensor for military and space applications but now they are getting smaller and smaller for robots, drones and self-driving cars. This in addition to cameras can provide a detailed view of the map. The cost of lidars are still a limiting factor but this should reduce drastically in next 2-5 years due to self driving cars.