In the case of Bobcat construction equipment, you add radar-based sensing solutions to detect objects and people on job sites. Partnering with Ainstein AI, Inc., Doosan Bobcat North America is doing just that. Bobcat’s are frequently seen loading or unloading trucks, moving or leveling dirt, drilling, cleaning up at various locations and other activities where […]
How can you live better in spite of vision impairment?
People who are visually impaired or even blind can now read the text from a book, smartphone screen or other surfaces. This is possible thanks to a voice-activated device that attaches to the frame of virtually any glasses. The OrCam MyEye uses an advanced 13 megapixel optical sensor that captures an image of the user’s […]
How can you quickly integrate an Ozone sensor into your final design?
First, you must have an ozone sensor that meets your application’s requirements. Must haves could include: Measurement Range 0 to 20 ppm Lower Detection Limit <0.1ppm Resolution <0.1ppm Accuracy <± 2% of reading Small Size with Low Profile (15x15x3mm) Long Life (10 years expected life) Fast Response (15 seconds typical) Long Term Stability (50 ppm […]
How do you track an elephant?
Very carefully might be your first response but there is a technical answer as well. The technical answer involves a design challenge called ElephantEdge to create the world’s most advanced tracker to protect elephants in their natural habitats from poachers, trophy hunters and habitat destruction. Supported by Hackster.io, an Avnet community, and Smart Parks, a […]
What is the Air Quality Index? Pt 3
AirNow and PurpleAir report the Air Quality Index (AQI) using different methodologies. With two different techniques to measure air quality (See Pt1), how does the data from the two approaches correlate? While AirNow’s monitors cost tens of thousands of dollars and require significant infrastructure and trained personnel to operate, PurpleAir’s sensors may only cost a […]
What is the Air Quality Index? Pt 2
With over 90 forest fires raging along the West Coast, you may feel safe and think you do not need to check the air quality index (AQI) if you don’t live in that region. Think again! A recent satellite image shows that the smoke already extends all the way to Michigan. Don’t smell any smoke? […]
What IS the Air Quality Index? Pt 1
Depending on where you live, your age, sensitivity to airborne constituents and other factors, the air quality index (AQI) could be something that you monitor frequently. In the U.S., the AQI developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a nationally uniform color-coded index for reporting air quality. Air agencies use the AQI report and […]
What is the MEMS report card for 2019?
Input for the 21st Annual MEMS Industry Commercialization Report Card Study (for 2019) is currently being requested. Compiled by Roger Grace, President of Roger Grace Associates, the purpose of the Report Card is to provide microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) industry participants with an objective assessment of the critical success factors over time for MEMS and to […]
What is a Sensor HAT?
HAT is a three-letter acronym (TLA) for hardware attached on top: the terminology used for a hardware specification for add-on modules for the Raspberry Pi model B+. With a HAT, no soldering required, the module simply plugs onto the Raspberry Pi. Taking advantage of this design concept and the popularity of the Raspberry Pi, Avnet has introduced and […]
How can engineered substrates accelerate sensor designs?
Silicon on insulator (SOI) substrates are the starting point for fabricating many sensors. One company offering a portfolio of advanced engineered substrates presents an interesting design alternative to customers. IceMOS Technology Ltd of Belfast Northern Ireland has a very attractive alternative to unprocessed starting wafers. Outsourced engineered substrates enable a company to expand their MEMS […]