The future of building automation is powered by the Internet of Things (IoT)—specifically, IoT sensors. What are IoT sensors? They’re catalysts for cause and effect; action and reaction. If automation is a series of triggers based on actions or variables, IoT sensors are the gauges that capture these stimuli and facilitate action.

Though they’re set up to perform the same fundamental action, the ways in which IoT sensors work differ. We measure different stimuli by different means, which creates the need for various types of IoT sensors. The motion sensor that activates the lights doesn’t serve the same purpose as the temperature sensor that kicks on the A/C.

Take a look at the different types of sensors, as well as some examples of IoT sensors at work. It’s easy to see how and why buildings are evolving to meet more complex demands.

Condition-monitoring sensors

Condition-monitoring sensors are the most diverse types of IoT sensors. Condition changes take many forms and are caused by many variables. Think of your basic senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. Condition monitoring works in the same way. You can tell if something is hot or cold, or if it tastes sweet or sour. These stimuli elicit reactions from your body. These sensors work the same way, only the building is the body.

Building condition-monitoring sensors deal with changes to environmental conditions. They’re primarily used to set, control, and maintain climate. Some examples include:

Temperature sensors linked to the building’s HVAC system
Humidity sensors used to keep moisture levels under control
Pressure (gas) sensors to ensure safety in the event of gas leaks
Parts per million (PPM) sensors to detect air particulates

The purpose of these sensors is to provide protection from immediate danger. They tend to be passive sensors—not critical to everyday facility processes or oversight. Instead, their importance comes at a macro level. Are we properly controlling our HVAC costs? How long was the gas leak present before it was detected? Are the residents/community comfortable?

Motion, detection, and proximity sensors

Motion, detection, and proximity sensors serve a more practical application. These IoT sensors have active triggers—they elicit immediate reactions. They also function as I/O switches that trigger automation based on facility utilization. Some common examples include:

Motion-sensitive lighting fixtures that react to movement
Proximity sensors that activate to signal room occupancy
Detection sensors that trigger when an employee sits in a chair

These are the types of IoT sensors that facilitate the bulk of agile business operations. Sensors send real-time I/O data to a Facility Management System, which interprets the information. For example, if a detection sensor shows that a visitor’s parking space is occupied, it becomes unavailable to book. These sensors are the primary triggers for robust automation at the workplace level.

Optical and infrared sensors

Optical and infrared sensors are among the most complex workplace IoT sensors. They serve a variety of purposes and can facilitate high-level automation. However, these sensors are expensive and don’t yet offer sufficient return on investment to justify their purchase for many Joint Management Bodies. Some examples include:

Optical sensors that measure incoming light and adjust window blinds or tint
Infrared sensors that gauge the heat level of a conference room

There is significant potential for optical and infrared sensors in the workplace. These advanced sensors are already widely used in other industries. For example, optical sensors help measure depth and lighting on smartphones. Similarly, agricultural operations use infrared sensors to optimize crop planting. Although these examples may seem unrelated, they parallel facility management and may enable automation such as facial recognition for access control.

A trigger for every change

For automation to work, every part of the action-reaction sequence must be compatible. Whether the trigger is motion, temperature, optical disruption, or any of dozens of other stimuli, it takes the right sensor to produce the right response.

When building smarter facilities, consider the nature of automation—the input and output actions. What stimuli best trigger the results you want, and which sensor serves as the missing link? Building automation becomes much easier when approached systematically. Thanks to the wide range of IoT sensors already available on the market, it’s easier than ever to find the right sensor to bridge the gap between desired automation and available triggers.

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