Sensors/Data Acquisition

Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on sensors and data acquisition, from engineering experts at NASA and government, university, and commercial laboratories.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Optical Biosensor Detects Toxins

The portable device can differentiate among bacteria, viruses, and other biothreats.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Miniature Lung-Heart Sensor on a Chip

A tiny sensor chip records multiple lung and heart signals along with body movements.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Compact 3D LiDAR Imaging System

A silicon chip provides a low-cost solution to help machines see the world clearly.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Sensors Woven into a Shirt can Monitor Vital Signs

Comfortable, form-fitting garments could be used to remotely track patients’ health.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Far-Infrared Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector (FIR MKID) Array

This technology improves the detection of low-power far-infrared (FIR) signals.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Smartwatch Tracks Medication Levels

The device could help doctors personalize treatments.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Sensors Eliminate Sparking in Hydrogen Vehicles

The optical-based sensor detects the presence of hydrogen without electronics, making the process much safer.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Cameras Learn and Understand What They are Seeing

Sensing and learning can be combined to create novel cameras for artificial intelligence systems.

Briefs: Motion Control

Four-Legged Swarm Robots

The multi-legged robots are capable of maneuvering in challenging environments.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Inductive Non-Contact Position Sensor

Potential uses include MEMS accelerometers, vibration monitoring, and other precision motion control applications.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Computational Model Enables Robots to Learn New Concepts

The model allows robots to ask clarifying questions to soldiers.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Autonomous Robot Opens Doors

It can also find the nearest electric wall outlet to recharge without human assistance.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Thin-Film, High-Frequency Antenna Array for Wireless Communications

The phased array antenna based on large-area electronics technology could enable many uses of emerging 5G and 6G wireless networks.

Briefs: AR/AI

Adapter Makes All Headphones Intelligent

“Dumb” headphones are made smart by turning them into sensors.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Unique Amplifier Could Change Optical Communication

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed an optical amplifier that they expect will revolutionize both space and fiber communication.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

“Smart” Shirt Monitors the Heart

Flexible carbon nanotube fibers woven into clothing gather accurate EKG and heart rate.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

DC Drives as Replacements for AC Servos

Low-voltage DC stepper and servo drives offer space-saving options for applications traditionally handled by AC servo drives.

Briefs: Imaging

Soft Robots Use Camera and Shadows to Sense Human Touch

An off-the-shelf USB camera captures the shadows made by hand gestures on the robot’s skin.

Briefs: Materials

Color-Changing Dyes Visualize Stress in Plastics

Directly visualizing external stresses of plastics is useful in development of materials with improved mechanical properties.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Stable Polymeric Ink with High Conductivity

This paves the way for innovative and more energy-efficient printed electronics.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Using Silicone Wristbands to Measure Air Quality

The inexpensive, convenient devices can measure exposure to a class of chemicals that can be harmful during pregnancy.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Industrial Software Integrates With IT

Modern PLCs now include IT-capable software and communications protocols, empowering users to easily access edge-sourced data and integrate it with the enterprise.