There are all kinds of smart sensors, but the most commonly used ones are level sensors, electric current sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, proximity sensors, heat sensors, flow sensors, fluid velocity sensors, and infrared sensors. Smart sensors are synonymous with Industry 4.0.

General procedure: To teach the sensor, the teach wire must be connected to the positive supply voltage of the sensor (+Vs). Depending on the duration of the contact, different teach levels can be selected. A flashing LED indicates that the teach procedure has started.

In addition to self-diagnosis, self-calibration and self-validation capabilities, smart sensors must have the self-adaptation function. Self-adaptive intelligent sensors can adapt themselves automatically to the measurement task according to current measurement conditions and algorithms.

Other smart sensors can monitor electrical power consumption; vibration, such as in the case of factory equipment; humidity; moisture; and light. Flow sensors monitor in-home water systems for leaks and send alerts if one is detected.