Smart sensor
Smart Building Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, published by the RIBA in 2024, states: ‘Often referred to as a smart sensor, an IOT (internet of things) sensor is a device that takes input from the physical environment and uses built-in computer resources to perform predefined functions upon detection of specific input and then process data before passing it on. For example a smart sensor can count the number of occupants in a space and trigger the lights to flash if the room becomes over-occupied.’
There were 15 billion smart sensor units shipped in 2015, and the smart sensor market is set to exceed USD 80 billion by 2024
Growing demand for smart electronics and wearable devices in consumer electronics is driving the smart sensor market across the globe. Increasing investment and reduced development costs for speed and accuracy will be achieved through measurement methods with innovative manufacturing technologies, high-tech signal processing methods and high performance.
Technological advancements have led to substantial miniaturisation of sensors, making them cost-effective, and efficient, and this is expected to drive further market growth. The growing implementation of MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology has led to adoption in aviation, automotive, consumer electronics, and healthcare industries.
High demand for smart wearable devices and the IoT (Internet of Things) is contributing to the growth of MEMS technology. Commoditisation of the technology is expected to ensure increased usage in the automotive, industrial, medical, semiconductor and telecommunications industries. Technological advancements in MEMS technology such as sensor fusion is also expected to drive the smart sensor market.
The automotive smart sensor market share is predicted to grow considerably over the next few years. Automatic climate control in vehicles, achieved by using smart sensors, can help control cooling systems and improve passenger comfort. In addition, they can be incorporated within air-conditioned seats to control humidity and temperature and help reduce the overall energy consumption.
North America dominates the smart sensor market due to the increasing demand for IoT and smart homes and the presence of major industry players in the region. The APAC ( Asia Pacific Countries) smart sensor market is primarily driven by India, Japan and China, due to developing infrastructure and government initiatives to support projects such as smart cities and homes. India serves as the manufacturing base for various consumer electronics and automotive verticals which will further drive regional demand.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
The Warm Homes Plan details released
What's new and what is not, with industry reactions.
Could AI and VR cause an increase the value of heritage?
The Orange book: 2026 Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018
ECA welcomes IET and BSI content sign off.
How neural technologies could transform the design future
Enhancing legacy parametric engines, offering novel ways to explore solutions and generate geometry.
Key AI related terms to be aware of
With explanations from the UK government and other bodies.
From QS to further education teacher
Applying real world skills with the next generation.
A guide on how children can use LEGO to mirror real engineering processes.
Data infrastructure for next-generation materials science
Research Data Express to automate data processing and create AI-ready datasets for materials research.
Wired for the Future with ECA; powering skills and progress
ECA South Wales Business Day 2025, a day to remember.
AI for the conservation professional
A level of sophistication previously reserved for science fiction.
Biomass harvested in cycles of less than ten years.
An interview with the new CIAT President
Usman Yaqub BSc (Hons) PCIAT MFPWS.
Cost benefit model report of building safety regime in Wales
Proposed policy option costs for design and construction stage of the new building safety regime in Wales.
Do you receive our free biweekly newsletter?
If not you can sign up to receive it in your mailbox here.