What role do advanced sensors play in control systems?

1 Advanced sensors

Advanced sensors are devices that can measure physical, chemical, or biological phenomena with high sensitivity, accuracy, resolution, and speed. They can also have additional features such as self-calibration, self-diagnosis, wireless communication, and data processing. Some examples of advanced sensors are fiber-optic sensors, MEMS sensors, smart sensors, biosensors, and nanosensors. Advanced sensors can offer advantages over conventional sensors in terms of size, weight, power consumption, robustness, and integration.

2 Control system design

The design of a control system depends on the type and characteristics of the sensors that provide the input signals. Advanced sensors can enable more precise and dynamic control of complex and nonlinear systems, such as flexible structures, micro-robots, or biological systems. They can also reduce the need for additional components, such as amplifiers, filters, or converters, and simplify the wiring and installation of the sensors. However, advanced sensors can also introduce new challenges and requirements for the control system design, such as noise reduction, data fusion, signal processing, and security.

3 Control system performance

The performance of a control system is evaluated by criteria such as stability, accuracy, robustness, speed, and efficiency. Advanced sensors can improve the performance of a control system by providing more accurate and timely information on the system state and disturbances. They can also enhance the adaptability and flexibility of the control system by allowing self-tuning, self-learning, or self-healing functions. However, advanced sensors can also affect the performance of a control system by introducing errors, delays, or failures that can compromise the stability, reliability, or safety of the system.

4 Control system applications

Advanced sensors can enable new and improved applications of control systems in various domains and industries. For example, advanced sensors can facilitate the control of autonomous vehicles, drones, or satellites by providing high-resolution and real-time data on the environment, navigation, and position. They can also enable the control of smart manufacturing systems, such as Industry 4.0, by providing data on the quality, efficiency, and productivity of the processes and products. Furthermore, they can enable the control of biomedical systems, such as artificial organs, prosthetics, or implants, by providing data on the physiological, biochemical, or electrical signals of the body.

5 Control system trends

The trends and developments in advanced sensors and control systems are closely related and influenced by each other. For instance, integration of advanced sensors and actuators into smart materials, structures, or devices that can sense and respond to stimuli autonomously or interactively is becoming popular. Additionally, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or deep learning techniques are being used to enhance the data analysis, decision making, and control strategies of the control systems. Moreover, distributed, networked, or cooperative control systems are being developed to coordinate and communicate with multiple sensors, actuators, or other systems to achieve a common goal or task. Lastly, cybersecurity, privacy, and ethics standards and protocols are being adopted to ensure the protection and trustworthiness of the data and the control systems.

6 Control system education

Engineers and students need a comprehensive and multidisciplinary knowledge and skills in the fields of instrumentation, control, signal processing, data science, and computer science to effectively utilize advanced sensors in control systems. To prepare for this challenge, they should learn the principles, characteristics, and applications of different types of advanced sensors and how they affect the control system design. Additionally, they should develop the skills and tools to design, implement, test, and optimize control systems with advanced sensors. It is also important to explore current and emerging trends and technologies in advanced sensors and control systems to solve real-world problems or create new possibilities. Lastly, engineers and students should engage in collaborative and creative projects that involve the use of advanced sensors and control systems in various domains and industries.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?