Sensors for Factory Automation

What is Factory Automation?

Factory Automation or Industrial Automation is the use of various control systems for operating machinery in factories with minimal or reduced human intervention. Today, Factory Automation is transitioning to its 4th revolution commonly referred to as Industry 4.0 and is therefore a major part of the megatrend of Industrial IoT (IIoT).

Automation has been achieved by various means including mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic devices and computers, usually in combination. Modern factories typically use all these combined techniques. The benefit of automation includes labour savings, savings in electricity costs, savings in material costs, and improvements to quality, accuracy, and precision.

Traditionally, the purpose of automation has been to increase productivity and to reduce the cost associated with human operators. However, today, the focus of automation has shifted to increasing quality and flexibility in the manufacturing process as well as securing a more environmentally friendly production.

Factory automation sensors

Sensor solutions are a key enabling part of industrial automation, IIoT and Industry 4.0.

Industrial companies are facing increased global competition, with increasingly higher requirements for sustainable production and faster technological development. The key is to digitize the production processes and make them smarter, more flexible, cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly.

Sensors can help secure full control of industrial automation systems with measurement of, for example, position and displacement, thus enabling effective monitoring, predictive maintenance, breakdown prevention, and downtime minimisation – all leading to savings and profit.

Sensors for Factory Automation

At ElastiSense Sensor Technology, we specialize in advanced sensor technologies that are particularly useful for factory automation, thanks to their rugged design and precision. Our sensors are based on Electroactive Polymer (EAP) technology, which enables highly accurate measurements of strain, displacement, and deformation. This is especially important for industrial applications where monitoring machine conditions and ensuring optimal performance are critical.

Our flagship products, the DS Sensors, are well-suited for harsh environments, featuring IP68 protection and a silicone encapsulation. They are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, dirt, and other challenging conditions, making them ideal for monitoring moving machine parts, alignment, and other aspects critical in factory automation. The DS sensors also support predictive maintenance and feedback control, helping to reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency​.

DS Sensors provide real-time data, ensuring that factory automation systems operate efficiently and reliably in diverse settings​. 

Learn much more about DS Sensor right here, or contact us for more information, quotes, customized solutions, or any other questions regarding sensor technology for factory automation.

Contact ElastiSense Sensor Technology

Do you have any questions? Contact us and let’s have a non-binding chat

If you do not find enough information about your desired task here on our website, you are always very welcome to contact us for a non-binding chat and possibly an offer for the task.

Call us on the phone (+45) 22 44 73 21 or send an email to contact@elastisense.com. We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.