Argentina, 2015. Maria-Laura, a sensor expert from Buenos Aires, takes a little vacation at a remote vineyard. Yet even in this quiet area, she still finds herself surrounded by sensors

Sensors can detect a vast range of microscopic particles and identify odorless gases. Destined to become smaller and smarter, they will one day even be able to recognize one another and form networks

Siemens engineers have developed sensors that can monitor events inside a gas turbine during normal operation—at speeds of 3,600 r.p.m. and temperatures as high as 1,500 °C. As a result, damage can be recognized in good time or in some cases completely prevented

The capabilities of the new Somatom Sensation 64 CT system are largely dependent on the unit’s detector, which contains a high-speed ceramic that efficiently transforms X-rays into light quanta without delay. This makes it possible to create extremely sharp images of the beating heart as well as fast scans of any part of the body

In the future, tiny sensors could be used to control systems in buildings. They will measure temperatures, light levels, communicate with one another, and decide what has to be done—intelligently

The miniaturization of electronic components and communication devices has enabled sensor networks to organize themselves using radio signals. Applications of such networks include the control of industrial plants, building technology and medicine. The first prototypes are already in operation

Molecular diagnostics is becoming increasingly important in the identification of illnesses. The latest biosensors and a new technology platform known as quicklab are expected to make many medical tests faster, simpler and less expensive

The human eye is hard to beat. To equal its power, about 125 million photo sensors would have to be concentrated in a few square millimeters, and that’s without considering image processing. Although today’s sensors still can’t match that, when it comes to some things they are already superior to the human eye

The market for sensors will grow steadily in the coming years. In 2008, a total of approximately $50 billion will be spent worldwide on sensors for the civilian sector. That’s nearly $18 billion more than was spent in 1998. Western Europe, Japan and the U.S. will remain the major markets for such sensors, accounting for some 83 % of market volume in 2008

The latest gas sensors are making our lives safer, industrial plants more efficient, and driving less risky. Reliable, fast and small, they range from methane sensors that can spot defects in gas pipes to an alcohol tester in a cell phone

Interview with Dr. Udo Weimar, specialist in biological and chemical sensors at the University of Tuebingen. He believes the biggest challenge facing detector developers is how to come up with sensor probes capable of detecting odors on a selective basis

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