How Sensors Work

Sensors usually function behind-the-scenes in electronics we use every day, so we often don’t even know when they’re there. But sensors are important for more than just garage door openers or automatic toilets. Sensors are used to monitor a medical patient’s brain or heart activity, detect a hard hit to a football player’s helmet, and even keep track of astronauts’ exposure to radiation during space flights! Sensors are devices that detect and respond to input from the environment. The input may be light, heat, motion, or other things that can be measured. Sensors can help us save energy, keep us safe, and make life a little easier.