Course Objectives: The student will learn about

1.Terminology, technology and applications of IoT

2.Sensors and Actuators required to build an IoT system
3.Necessary Wireless Networks and protocols
4.Raspberry PI3 as a hardware platform for IoT sensor interfacing and
5.Various IoT application as case studies
Course Outcomes: After completing this course, student shall be able to
1.Build a simple IoT System for a given application
2.Describe and utilize necessary protocols for communication and management of
an IoT system
3.Design, Develop and Illustrate IoT applications using Raspberry PI platform and
Python Scripting
 Unit 1 - Introduction to IoT
Part A - Introduction
 IoT terms and basic definitions
 IoT vs. M2M
 Characteristics of IoT
 IoT Eco-System
 IoT applications and marketplace and IoT Reference Model
Part B – Sensor and Actuators
 Introduction to transducers
 Sensors and actuators
 Sensor – classification and types
 Actuators – Classification and types.
 Unit 2 - Embedded Platform for IoT – Rpi 3
 Embedded Platform brief introduction – Ardiuno
 Raspberry Pi 3
 Intel Galileo
 RPI-Interfaces (serial, SPI, I2C) Programming
 Python program with Raspberry PI with focus of interfacing
external gadgets, controlling output, reading input from pins
 Unit 3 - IoT Wireless Networks
 Introduction to WSN and its architecture
 Network topologies, Issues, Challenges and Security
 WSN Technologies and its application
 Wi-Fi
 Bluetooth
 Zigbee
 LoRa
Unit 4 - IoT Protocol
Characteristics and Architecture of MQTT, XMP, DDS, AMQP, COAP
and REST and their comparison
 Unit 5 - IoT Design Methodology
 Process and requirement
 Level Specification
 Domain model and service specification
 IoT application Development

Unit 6 - Case Studies Illustrating IoT Application

 Home Automation – Smart Lighting, Home intrusion detection
 Cities – Smart parking
 Environment – Weather monitoring system, Weather reporting bot,
Air pollution monitoring, Forest fire detection
 Agriculture – Smart irrigation
 IOT
• Internet technology connecting devices, machines and tools to the internet
by means of wireless technologies
( embedded system + IT + Network Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular )
• IoT stands for Internet of Things, which means accessing and controlling
daily usable equipments and devices using Internet.
• Over 9 billion ‘Things’ connected to the internet as of now.
• ‘Things‘ connected to the internet are projected to cross 20 billion in the
near future. ( challenge to network - large expansion to internet)
• IoT is an advanced automation and analytics system which deals with
Artificial Intelligence, Sensor, Networking, Electronic, Cloud messaging etc.
The system created by IoT has greater transparency, control, and
performance
 How Big is IoT?
According to Gartner report, by 2020 connected devices across all technologies will
reach to 20.6 billion.
HP did a small survey in which they estimated the rise of connected devices over the
years and the results are surprising. Are we moving towards a fully automated world?
 A survey conducted by KRC Research in UK, US, Japan and Germany the early adopters
of IOT has revealed which devices are the customers more likely to use in the coming
years.
 What is an Internet of Things (IoT)
Connecting everyday Things embedded with electronics, software, and
sensors to internet enabling to collect and exchange data without human
interaction called as the Internet of Things (IoT)
The term "Things" in the Internet of Things refers to anything and everything
in day to day life which is accessed or connected through the internet
 What is an Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT

For example
A house, where we can connect our home appliances such as air
conditioner, light, etc. through each other and all these things are
managed at the same platform.
Since we have a platform, we can connect our car, track its fuel meter,
speed level, and also track the location of the car.

If there is a common platform where all these things can connect

to each other , I can set the room temperature based on my preference
 Baseline Technologies
A number of technologies that are very closely related to IoT include
• Internet of Everything (IoE)
• Machine – to – Machine (M2M) communications
• Cyber – Physical – Systems (CPS)
• Web-of-Things (WoT)
SNO Internet of Everything (IoE) Internet of Things (IoT)
The term IoT coined by Kevin Ashton in
1. The term IoE is coined by CISCO.
1999 during his work at Procter & Gamble.

IoE is the intelligent connection

IoT is the network of physical devices
between people, process, data and
2. where collection and exchange of data
things by creating ‘web of things’ which
occurs without human intervention.
is the next generation of internet.

The goal of IoE is turning information
into actions, providing data based
3.
decision making and provide new
capabilities and richer experiences.
The goal of IoT is to form an ecosystem of
connected objects/physical devices. Or to
create an ecosystem connecting from Thing
to Thing.

In IoE, communication occurs between

Machine to Machine, Machine to People In IoT, communication occurs between
4.
and technology assisted People to Machine to Machine.
People.

It is more complex than IoT as IoE

It is less complex than IoE as IoT(Internet of
includes IoD (Internet of Digital), IoH
5. Things) is considered as a part of Bigger IoE
(Internet of Human) and IoT (Internet of
ecosystem.
Things).
SNO Internet of Everything (IoE) Internet of Things (IoT)
It has four pillars people, process, data, It has one pillar things i.e. it focuses on
6.
and things. physical objects only.

It is considered as the superset for

Internet of Things(IoT), along with IoH, It is considered as the subset of bigger
7. IoD, communication technologies and Internet of Everything(IoE) and IoT is
the internet itself and it is considered a considered one generation before IoE.
generation after IoT.

Examples are Connecting roads with

Examples are Wearable health monitors,
hospitals to save more lives, Connecting
Connected appliances, Autonomous
8. homes for comfort living, Connecting
farming equipment, smarter energy
food and people in the supply chain,
management systems, Smart surveillance.
Elderly care monitoring.
 M2M refers to communications and interactions between machines and
devices.

 M2M is part of IoT, However, IoT has a broader scope than M2M, since it
comprises a broader range of interactions, including interactions between
devices/things, things and people, things with applications and people
with applications
 M2M IoT
M2M is about direct communication The IoT is about sensors automation and
between machines internet platform

It supports point-to-point communication It supports cloud communication

Devices do not necessarily rely on an Devices relay on an internet connection

internet connection

M2M is mostly Hardware based The IoT is both Hardware and Software
technology based technology

Machines normally communicate with a Many users can access at one time over
single machine at a time the internet

A device can be connected through Data delivery depends on the internet

mobile or other network protocol (IP) network
 IoT vs WoT
 While IoT is about creating a network of objects, things , people, systems
and applications, WoT tries to integrate them to the Web.
 Technically speaking, WoT can be though as a flavour/option of an
application layer over IoT’s network layer. However, the scope of IoT
application is broader and includes systems that are not accessible through
the web ( e.g. conventional WSN and RFID systems)
 The WoT enables access and control over IoT resources and applications
using mainstream web technologies (such as HTML 5.0, JavaScript, Ajax,
PHP, Ruby n' Rails etc.)
 Web of Things refers software architectural styles and programming
patterns that allows real life objects to be a part of world wide web. It can
be said that IoT integrated with web is known as WoT
 IoT WoT
IoT is a network of things , which are WoT is web network created for proper
anything that can be connected in some handling and using the potential of IoT
form to the internet platforms to provide better future
IoT is a hardware layer to connect WoT is a software layer to connect
everything to the internet everything to the web
IoT deals with sensors , actuators, WoT deals with protocols and web
computation and communication servers. All those applications for IoT
interfaces devices make up the WoT
There is different protocol for each and WoT makes it easy by using single
every IoT Devices protocol for multiple IoT devices

IoT platforms are hard to program due to Due to common APIs to handle the
multiple protocols protocol WoT programming is easier
IoT standards and prototypes are not WoT is free for everyone and can be
public. They are privately funded and are accessed anywhere and anytime
not publicly accessible
IoT is tightly coupled between Whereas WoT in application layer is
applications and networks loosely coupled
 IoT terms and basic definitions
IoT Endpoint Device
IoT Device Beacon Technology
Things Home Automation
IoT Ecosystem Industrial Internet
Entity Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP)
Physical Layer Low-Power Devices
Network Layer Machine-to-Machine (M2M)
Application Layer Microcontroller (MCU)
Remotes Message Queuing Telemetry
Dashboard Transport (MQTT)
Analytics Near-Field Communication (NFC)
Data storage Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Networks Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)
Actuator Sensor
Advanced Message Queuing Protocol Sensor Network
(AMQP) System on a Chip
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Transmission Control
Connected Devices Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) Wearables
Data Filtration Wi-Fi
Direct Messaging ZigBee
Edge Gateway Z-Wave
Embedded Device/Systems Raspberry Pi
 Characteristics of IoT / Features of IoT
1. Artificial Intelligence: IoT makes things smart and enhances life through the
use of data
2. Connectivity : Networks can exist on a much smaller and cheaper scale while
still being practical. IoT creates these small networks between its system
devices.
3. Sensors: IoT loses its distinction without sensors. They act as defining
instruments which transform IoT from a standard passive network of devices
into an active system
4. Security: Devices in IoT are actually defenceless against breaching security
dangers.
5. Dynamic nature: essential action of IoT is to gather information from its
surrounding environment and to adapt to dynamic changes occurring.
6. Small Devices: IoT exploits purpose-built small devices to deliver its
precision, scalability, and versatility.
7. Endpoint Management: It is important to be the endpoint management of
all the IoT system otherwise, it makes the complete failure of the system.
8. Heterogeneity: Devices bound to be in IoT should be able to communicate
with different devices in a network or processed through various stages of a
system
Advantages of IoT
 Efficient resource utilization: If we know the functionality and the way that how each
device work we definitely increase the efficient resource utilization as well as monitor natural
resources.
 Minimize human effort: As the devices of IoT interact and communicate with each other
and do lot of task for us, then they minimize the human effort.
 Save time: As it reduces the human effort then it definitely saves out time. Time is the
primary factor which can save through IoT platform.
 Enhance Data Collection:
 Improve security: Now, if we have a system that all these things are interconnected then
we can make the system more secure and efficient.

Disadvantages of IoT
 Security: As the IoT systems are interconnected and communicate over networks. The
system offers little control despite any security measures, and it can be lead the various kinds
of network attacks.
 Privacy: Even without the active participation on the user, the IoT system provides
substantial personal data in maximum detail.
 Complexity: The designing, developing, and maintaining and enabling the large technology
to IoT system is quite complicated.
 Applications of IoT
 IoT has applications across all industries and markets.
 It spans user groups from those who want to reduce energy use in their home
to large organizations who want to streamline their operations.
 It proves not just useful, but nearly critical in many industries as technology
advances and we move towards the advanced automation imagined in the distant
future.

Consumer Smart Home control, lighting, maintenance etc.

Industrial Smart meters, Wear outs, Climate control, Product tracking
Automotive Parking, Traffic control , anti theft location
Environmental Weather prediction, Resource management
Agriculture Crop management , soil analysis
Military Troop monitoring , Threat analysis
Medical Wearable devices.
1. Smart Home & Office
2. Wearables
3. Connected Cars
4. Industrial Internet
5. Smart Cities
6. IoT in agriculture
7. Smart Retail
8. Energy Engagement
9. IOT in Healthcare
10.IoT in Poultry and Farming
 1. Smart Home & Office
 In our daily lives, IoT provides a personalized experience from the home to the office.
 This improves our overall satisfaction, enhances productivity, and improves our health
and safety.
 2. Wearable Electronics
Wearable electronic devices are small devices worn on the head, neck, arms, torso, and feet.
Current smart wearable devices include:
 Head – Helmets, glasses
 Neck – Jewellery, collars
 Arm – Watches, wristbands, rings
 Torso – Clothing, backpacks
 Feet – Socks, shoes
 3. Connected Cars - Transportation
IoT helps in
 Tracking vehicle current location
 Distance travel
 Suggest lane departure
 Continuously monitor to avoid
collision.
 Identifies the accident
 Send current traffic conjunction
information

IoT component of Transportation

does not only mean within the
vehicle, but it extends beyond car
to communicate other, enabling
automate real-time decision to
optimize travel.
 4. Industrial Internet
Applications of IoT in these areas include improving production, marketing, service
delivery, and safety.
 IoT provides a strong means of monitoring various processes and real transparency
Deep level of control afforded by IoT allows rapid and more actions which include events
like obvious customer needs, nonconforming product, malfunctions in equipment, problems
in the distribution network, and more
 5. Smart Cities
 IoT applied to government and safety allows improved law enforcement, defence, city
planning, and economic management.
 The technology fills in the current gaps, corrects many current flaws, and expands the
reach of these efforts.
 6. IoT in agriculture
 IoT system plays vital role for soil and crop monitoring.
 Using smart farming helps farmer to reduce waste generation and increase the productivity.
There are several IoT technologies available that work on agriculture domain.
Some of them are:
 Drones for field monitoring
 Sensor for soil monitoring
 Water pump for water sully
 Machines for routine operation
 7. Smart Retail
There are several ways through IoT is transforming the business. Some of them are mentioned
below:
 Improving Customer Experience
 Greater Efficiency
 More Data - More Opportunity
 Creating New Business Models
 Cost Reduction and Gain Productivity
 Asset Tracking and Waste Reduction
 8. Energy Engagement
IoT revolutionizes how power is delivered from a power plant and used throughout your
community. And the integration of sensors and other connected devices to the power grid,
creating what’s known as a “smart grid”,
creating numerous benefits to our society like
 Quicker power restoration after major storms and
 More efficient integration of green energy sources, like wind and solar.
The smart grid is foundational to the smart city and essential in creating more liveable,
efficient cities in the future.
 9. IOT in Healthcare
Some of the key impact areas are explained below:
 Continuous Clinical Care
 Remote Patient Monitoring
 Medication Adherence
 Early Prevention
 Wellness Programs:
 Improvement in Outcomes
 Reduction of Errors
 Better Disease Management
 Enhanced Patient Experience
Some of the key applications of IoT in
healthcare include the following:
 Glucose level sensing for management
of diabetes patients
 Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring for
the measurement of heart rate and
rhythm, and diagnosis of arrhythmias
 Blood pressure monitoring
 Body temperature monitoring
 Oxygen saturation monitoring
 Monitoring congestive heart failure
 Some IoT Applications for Patients
 QardioCore’s ECG monitor
QardioCore designed an ECG monitor that consistently provides continuous medical-grade data.
It is a wearable device that Patients can wear in their normal lifestyle, whether they are at work,
gym, or outside.
 SYSTEM ONE for Public Health
System one, a barcode and label systems which will help healthcare workers stay better
connected with patients and efficiently manage public health situations, including infectious
diseases.
 EIGHT for Smart Sleep
Eight pairs is a comfortable mattress that comes embedded with sleep and an environment
sensing app that can analyze the data collected through it. It then sends the received data to the
user’s smart phones. After viewing the data, the patients or the user can determine the ideal
sleep temperature required for his/her sound sleep.
 Education Organizations
 Student response, performance, and behavior
 Instructor response, performance, and behavior
 Facility monitoring and maintenance
 Data from other facilities
More Applications
 Forest fire Detection
 Radiation Levels
 Air Pollution
 Explosive and hazardous Gases
 Snow Level Monitoring
 Supply chain management
 Landslide and Avalanche
 Intelligent shopping
 Earthquake Early Detection
 Smart Product Management
 Water Leakages
 What is an Internet of Things Ecosystem?
 IoT ecosystem is a connection of various kind of devices that sense and analyze the data and
communicates with each other over the networks.
Internet of Things (IoT) Ecosystem – A broad network of connected and
interdependent devices and technologies that are applied by specialists towards a
specific goal.
what is happening in the IOT Ecosystem?

key components to an IoT ecosystem: devices, networks, platforms and agents

1. IoT devices - Sensing and embedding components
2. Connectivity – Network Protocols , IoT gateways

IoT gateways. They are a piece of hardware that is capable of “translating” and facilitating the
essential connection between devices or between devices and the network and work as a
kind of relay for the two.
Protocols
Once the data has been collected by the sensors, it requires a medium for transport.
In other words, a communication channel is necessary between sensors and the cloud.
IoT protocols are responsible for transferring data in the online world
Some of the most popular IoT wireless protocols and standards include Bluetooth,
Wi-Fi, ZigBee, LoRaWAN, DDS, MQTT, cellular, etc.
3. IoT cloud
Once the data has been collected and it has travelled to the cloud, it needs to be
processed. The cloud is where the “smart stuff” takes place!
4. IoT analytics and data management
Data may be a small word but it holds immense power that can pose a huge effect on
any business. IoT Analytics is used to make sense of the vast amounts of analog data.
Analytics requires storage power and intelligent computation to be able to make sense
of any data. Tasks such as this can be hosted on the cloud, depending on the IoT
architecture.
5. End-user devices and user interface - Agents

The user interface is the visible component that is easily accessible and in control of the IoT
user. This is where a user can control the system and set their preferences.
A user may interact with the system via the device itself, or this interaction can be
conducted remotely via smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

People are an essential part of this equation. Ecosystems are created by us, managed by us
and, ultimately, it is our responsibility to realize their full potential.
It is the devices that collect the data, but it is the people that make sense of it and put it to
use
The IoT is itself an ecosystem of network devices that transfer the data. It is also well
interconnected with Big Data and Cloud Computing.
Sensing, Embedded processing, Connectivity: The IoT ecosystem senses its surrounding
like temperature, gyroscope, pressure, etc. and make the embedded processing using
devices. These devices are connected through any type of devices such as GPS, WiFi, RFID,
etc. over the networks.
Smart devices and environment, Cloud Computing, Big Data: The data transfer or receive
through smart devices and environments are communicated through Cloud Computing or
others Servers and stored as Big Data.
Technology, Software, Application: The IoT ecosystem uses any of different technologies,
software and application to communicate and connect with smart devices and
environment.
Users or groups of community: The product or services generated by the IoT ecosystem
are consumed by the users or the group of communities to serve the smart life.
IoT reference model
Level 1 : Physical Devices
Edge Devices in IoT Sensors, Camera , Actuator.
Functionality
Analog to digital conversion as required
Generating Data
Control different object like Robot etc.
Level 2 : Connectivity
Communication and processing units
Edge Devices, Routers, Hubs , Switches.
Connectivity Includes
• Communication with and between level 1 devices.
• Reliable delivery across the networks
• Implementation of various protocols
• Switching and routing
• Translation between protocols
• Security in network level
The communication between devices and the Internet or to a gateway includes many different
models:
•Direct Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity using TCP or UDP (we will look at protocols for this later)
•Bluetooth Low Energy
•Near Field Communication (NFC)
•Zigbee or other mesh radio networks
•SRF and point-to-point radio links
•UART or serial lines
•SPI or I2C wired buses
Figure illustrates the two
major modes of connectivity.
Level3 : Edge ( Fog) Computing
• Convert network data flows into information that is suitable for next higher level (4). Process
the information as early as possible.

Evaluation : evaluating data for criteria as to whether it should be processed at higher level.
Formatting : Reformatting data for consistent higher level processing.
Expanding/ decoding : Handling cryptic data with additional context ( Like data origin)
Distillation/ reduction: Reducing and summarising data to minimize the impact of data and
traffic on the network and higher level processing systems.
Assessment : Determining whether data represents a threshold or alert; this could include
redirecting the data to additional destination
Level 4 : Data accumulation
• Data generation from Level 1 to Level 3 is based on the device and limited filtering is done at
level 3. Process of data accumulation is to bring the motion of data to data in rest.
Level 4 determines the following
• If data is of interest to higher levels
• If data to be preserved / stored.
• If data is organized properly
Level 5 : Data Abstraction
• Data abstraction is focused on rendering data and its storage in ways that enable developing
simpler, performance enhanced applications.
-Reconciliation of multiple data format from different sources
-Assuring consistent semantics of data across sources.
-Confirming data to higher level application
-Single source data and virtualization.
-Protecting data with appropriate authentication and authorization.
- Data normalization
 Unit 1 - Introduction to IoT
Part A - Introduction
 IoT terms and basic definitions
 IoT vs. M2M
 Characteristics of IoT
 IoT Eco-System
 IoT applications and marketplace and IoT Reference Model
Part B – Sensor and Actuators
 Introduction to transducers
 Sensors and actuators
 Sensor – classification and types
 Actuators – Classification and types.
From the above we can conclude that sensor is part of transducer. Hence every transducer
is a sensor but every sensor need not be transducer always. But sometimes sensor can be
treated as transducer. Sensor falls under category of transducers.

Classification of transducers
 Active and passive transducer
 Analog and digital transducer
 On the basis of transduction principle used
 The primary and secondary transducer
 Transducers and inverse transducers
 Resistive transducer
What are the factors that must be considered while selecting a transducer

 Sensitivity
 Operating range
Accuracy
Avoid errors
According to operating principle
Transient and frequency response
Loading effects
Environmental compatibility
Avoid unwanted signals
Thermal sensors
 Thermometer Chemical sensors
 Thermocouple gauge  oxygen sensor
 Calorimeter  carbon dioxide sensor
Mechanical sensors Optical light sensors
 Pressure sensor  Photocells
 Barometer  Infra red sensor
 Altimeter Acoustic sensors
 liquid flow sensor  seismometer
 Gas flow sensor  Acoustic wave meter
 Accelerometer Motion sensors
Electrical sensors  Speedometer
 Ohmmeter  Geiger counter
 Voltmeter Biological sensors
 Galvanometer
 watt – hour meter
 Some Important sensors used in IoT

This most basic type of sensor finds its application in every kind of IoT use case
where keeping track of thermal conditions of air, work environment, machines or other
objects is vital. Temperature sensors are particularly useful in manufacturing plants,
warehouses, weather reporting systems and agriculture, where soil temperature is
monitored to provide balanced and maximised growth.
Thermistor
Resistance temperature detectors
Thermocouples

Hot
junction
While their most obvious and widespread use is in meteorology stations to report and
forecast weather, quite surprisingly, moisture and humidity sensors are also being
extensively employed in agriculture, environment monitoring, food supply chain, HVAC and
health monitoring.
Hair tension moisture sensor
Psychrometer
Depending on ambient light intensity, smart TVs, mobile phones or computer screens are
able to adjust their brightness thanks to light sensors, yet sensors for detecting ambient light
are not only commonplace in consumer electronics, but also smart city applications. They are
increasingly used for adapting street lights or urban lighting levels for increased economy.
Photo resistor
Photodiode
Smart acoustic sensors enable us to monitor the level of noise in a given environment. Being
able to measure and provide data to help noise pollution prevention, acoustic IoT sensor
systems are gaining ground in smart city solutions.
Hydrophone
Geophone
To prevent natural disasters, data gathered by the water level monitoring sensors can be
used in flood warning systems for analytics and prediction. Apart from environmental
protection, this sensor finds its use in a variety of industrial applications to control and
optimise manufacturing processes.
Hydrostatic pressure sensor
Optical sensor
By emitting an electromagnetic radiation beam, this type of sensor is capable of sensing its
target object presence and determining the distance that separates both. With their high
reliability and long life, it is no wonder that they have quickly made it into so many IoT
sectors, such as smart cars, robotics, manufacturing, machines, aviation, and even smart
parking solutions.
Doppler radar
Occupancy sensor
A smart building system is probably the most banale IoT application for the motion
sensor to imagine. While this obviousness holds largely true, apart from helping to
monitor private or public spaces from intrusion and burglary, the use of motion sensors
is extending to energy management solutions, smart cameras, automated devices and
many others.
Active, ultrasonic motion sensor
Passive, infrared motion sensor
Active, radar sensor
Example : passive infrared sensor (PIR)
The task of this type of sensor is to detect rotation and measure angular velocity, which
makes it perfect for navigation systems, robotics, consumer electronics and
manufacturing processes involving rotation. For a more day-to-day IoT application,
gyroscope sensors are increasingly installed in IoT devices used by athletes for accurate
measurements of body movements to analyse and improve their sports performance.
Accelerometer
Heading indicator
Sensors able to detect chemical compounds (solids, liquids, and gases) are indispensable
elements in industrial security systems, environmental protection solutions, and, quite
obviously, scientific research. Moreover, they have already gained a foothold in IoT-
supported air quality monitoring which helps cities and states fight the harmful impact of
air and water pollution.
Electrochemical breathalyzer
Electronic nose
Converting optical data to electrical impulses, an image sensor enables the connected object
to view the environment around it and act upon it using the intelligence obtained from the
analysis of data provided. Image sensors are used whenever there is a need for the smart
device to ‘see’ its immediate surroundings, which includes smart vehicles, security systems,
military equipment like radars and sonars, medical imaging devices and, of course, digital
cameras.
Active-pixel sensor
Charge-coupled device
IoT actuator examples
Linear actuators – these are used to enable motion of objects or elements in a straight line.
Motors – they enable precise rotational movements of device components or whole
objects.
Relays – this category includes electromagnet-based actuators to operate power switches
in lamps, heaters or even smart vehicles.
Solenoids – most widely used in home appliances as part of locking or triggering
mechanisms, they also act as controllers in IoT-based gas and water leak monitoring
systems.
Different Types of Actuators?
Actuators can be classified by the motion they produce and the power source they use.
Motion - Actuators can create two main types of motion: linear and rotary.
1. Linear Actuators
2. Rotary Actuators
Source of Energy - we can also sort them according to the power source or system they use to
move. Below are the most common actuators according to energy source:
1. Hydraulic Actuators
2. Pneumatic Actuators
Examples of equipment that uses pneumatic actuators include:
 Bus brakes
 Exercise machines
 Vane motors
 Pressure sensors
 Pneumatic mailing systems
Electric Actuators
Electrical actuators, as you may have guessed, require electricity to work. Well-known examples
include electric cars, manufacturing machinery, and robotics equipment. Similar to pneumatic
actuators, they also create precise motion as the flow of electrical power is constant.
The different types of electrical actuators include:
1. Electromechanical actuators
2. Electrohydraulic actuators
Thermal and Magnetic Actuators
Thermal and magnetic actuators usually consist of shape memory alloys that can be heated to
produce movement.
1. Mechanical Actuators
2. Supercoiled Polymer Actuators
How to Select the Right Actuator
Understanding the different types of actuators is a crucial step in making the best selection for
your equipment. Since each kind has its unique purpose and energy requirements
 Power Source Availability
 Required Movement
 Precision
 Safety and Environmental Concerns
RANGE
The range of a sensor refers to the lower and upper limit operating values of the stimulus,
that is, the minimum and maximum input for which a valid output is obtained
The output full scale (OFS) is the difference between the upper and lower ranges of the
output of the sensor corresponding to the span of the sensor.
Hysteresis (literally lag) is the deviation of the sensor’s output at any given point when
approached from two different directions.
Nonlinearity may be either a property of a sensor or an error due to deviation of a device’s
ideal, linear transfer function.
Saturation refers to the behaviour of sensors or actuators when they no longer respond to
the input or, more likely, their response is reduced.
Frequency response (also called the frequency transfer function) of a device indicates the
ability of the device to respond to a harmonic (sinusoidal) input.
Calibration is the experimental determination of the transfer function of a sensor or
actuator