Sensors and Actuators

Piezoelectric Materials:

Piezoelectric ceramics: used in pressure sensors, accelerometers, and ultrasonic transducers

Piezoelectric polymers: providing flexibility and potential for miniaturization

Conductive Materials:

Metals: Copper, gold, and aluminum

Conductive polymers

Optical Materials:

Optical fibres

Semiconductor materials

Actuator Materials:

Shape memory alloys

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys

Magnetostrictive Materials:

Terfenol-D

Automotive

Sensors and actuators play a vital role in the smooth running and safety of the modern-day car. Piezoelectric sensors are the most common of this type, being used as pressure sensors and knock sensors, alerting a driver to any irregularities within the engine. Actuators are also used in fuel injectors, allowing for precise control, improving fuel efficiency.  

Aerospace

Aerospace requires precise and accurate control of an aircraft on top of accurate data on the conditions the aircraft is in. Flight controls, landing gears and engine controls all make use of actuators, while sensors are used to measure speed, pressure and temperature. 

Robotic Automation

Large industrial warehouses and production lines are fast moving towards automation and autonomy. Both sensors and actuators are the driving force behind a robotic devices' ability to move.

Sensing location and proximity to other objects, while being able to move in a precise and controlled manner are vital for this application.

Medical

Medical procedures and diagnostic tests require precise control over the instrumentation or the subject of the tests.

CT scanners, X-ray machines, MRI machines, all contain small actuators that allow for very small movements of either the detector or subject, allowing for clearer images and quicker diagnosis.