1. Ultrasonic object detection for assisted driving. Many major automakers and technology companies are testing fully autonomous self-driving cars. Nissan and General Motors have even stated that they will have self-driving cars on the road by 2020. Both autonomous vehicles (as well as human-driven cars combined with driver-assistance technologies) make extensive use of sensors to monitor the road and surrounding environment. For example, ultrasonic sensors can detect cars in adjacent lanes for "blind spot detection" and alert the driver if a person is in their blind spot.
2. Ultrasonic distance detection. Similarly, ultrasonic sensors can help prevent collisions by detecting when cars or other objects in front or behind the car are dangerously close. For example, when parking, sensors can monitor the distance between the car and a wall or other vehicle and alert the driver to stop. This also applies to traffic conditions, as these sensors can function even when both objects are in motion.
3. Ultrasonic diameter detection. Moving away from the road and into factories, ultrasonic sensors can help keep automated production lines running smoothly. In printing facilities, such as those producing newspaper or magazine pages, paper typically starts out as a roll, and as the paper is used, the diameter of the roll decreases. Using ultrasonic sensors, the equipment can automatically detect when a roll is empty so they can prepare to replace it with a new one without sacrificing productivity. Ultrasonic sensors can even be used with sound-absorbing materials such as rubber or padding.
4. Ultrasonic Sag Detection. Ultrasonic sensors can also ensure that any conveyor belts, wires, or cables used in manufacturing or other industrial environments are properly positioned. Cable sagging can slow or stop a production line, and these sensors can automatically detect whether these items are running evenly or even need tightening. Ultrasonic sensors can demonstrate incredible precision, meaning they can detect even tiny defects or faults. Even better, particulates like dust that may be generated during the manufacturing process have no effect on their sensing capabilities.
5. Ultrasonic Level Detection. This is another example of process automation in the food production industry. Ultrasonic sensors feature a hygienic design and are fully encapsulated in stainless steel, ensuring excellent performance even when handling food products. For example, they can help dairies produce cheese continuously rather than in batches by monitoring milk and rennet levels in the coagulant. This way, it knows when to add more of these ingredients while the cheese curds are continuously removed at the other end.