What's exciting about industrial sensors these days is the trend to free them of the limits of wires, which increases their utility and offers even more unique ways for system designers to apply them. A look at this year's Sensors Expo & Conference program and a scan through its presentation tracks reveals that wireless sensor technology is on everyone's mind and a leading theme at the show scheduled June 8-10 at the Cobo Conference & Exhibition Center in Detroit.
Covering industrial automation, process control, manufacturing automotive, medical, IT telecommunications and consumer electronics, the four-day program features industry experts presenting full and half-day workshops and more than 40 sessions focused on a wide range of sensor topics including biosensors, wireless sensor networks, nanotechnology, MEMs/MST, smart solutions and industrial automation.
Throughout the show, attendees will be exposed to the recurring theme of advances in wireless sensing technology. There will be several events including the special Wireless Sensor and Integrated Wireless Network Sensor Market Overview, presented by research analyst, Dr. James P. Smith; and the inaugural Wireless TechnoTour where attendees can take a guided tour of wireless sensing products, applications and solutions. In addition the Wireless Industry Network Alliance (WINA) will host a free half-day workshop on the advancement of wireless solutions for U.S. industry.
Keynote speaker Donald L. Runkle, vice chairman of Delphi Corp., (Tuesday, June 8, 11:00 a.m.) will focus on the expanding sensors market in the automotive industry. According to Runkle, today's vehicles contain an average of 30 sensors ranging from safety technologies to in-vehicle entertainment systems and the number is likely to increase in the coming years.
"Beyond even the automotive realm," says Runkle, "Delphi is designing sophisticated sensors with a commonality that will allow for applications in other industries." Recently, GM, Delphi's largest customer announced it is seeking proposals for development of wireless sensors and sensing systems. Look to Delphi to offer attendees a glimpse of where its wireless sensing development dollars have been going lately.
Another keynote speaker will be Kermit Hoffman, president of GE Infrastructure Sensing,Americas. His presentation, "Innovative Sensing Technologies that Drive Productivity, Quality and Safety," will be delivered Wednesday, June 9 at 11:00 am. Hoffman is responsible for all operational and financial aspects of the business throughout the Americas.
Conference sessions are presented in four tracks: Technology & Design, Industry Applications, Intelligent Systems and Business of Sensors. Of particular note to machine builders might be the session TD4 "Batteries and Beyond, Power Sources for the Next Generation of Wireless Sensors" and IA6 "Wireless Direct Contact Temperature Sensors for Moving Parts Temp. Measurement," June 9, 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively. For more complete information on the event, go to www.sensorsexpo.com.
