Distance & Proximity Sensors - Inductive, Capacitive & Magnetic – Robocraze

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Sensor Categories

Inductive Proximity Sensors – Detect metallic objects without contact. Common in industrial automation for detecting metal parts, machinery alignment, and safety switches.
Capacitive Proximity Sensors – Detect both metallic and non-metallic objects (plastic, liquids). Used in fill-level detection, container sensors, and mixed material sensing.
Ultrasonic Sensors – Emit sound waves and measure echo time to determine distance. Ideal for robotics obstacle avoidance, tank level monitoring, and automated parking systems.
Infrared (IR) Sensors – Use IR light reflection or break-beam sensing. Great for line-tracking robots, short-range proximity detection, and object presence monitoring.

Applications: Robotics, Industrial Automation & IoT

Robotics: Use ultrasonics and IR sensors for obstacle avoidance, path finding, and interaction with environment. Use inductive sensors for metal part detection in robot arms.
Industrial Automation: Inductive and capacitive sensors detect objects on conveyor belts, monitor liquid levels, or trigger actuators without mechanical contact.
IoT / Smart Systems: Ultrasonic or IR sensors mounted in home/office systems detect occupancy, trigger alarms or automate devices. Capacitive sensors detect water level in smart gardens.
Safety & Monitoring: Proximity sensors used in doors, machinery guards, object detection systems, and preventive maintenance applications.

Technical Comparison: Distance Ranges & Response Times

Sensor Type	Typical Distance Range	Typical Response Time	Notes
Inductive Proximity	~0.5 mm to ~10 mm (metal only)	Very fast (< 1 ms)	Metal only, contactless detection
Capacitive Proximity	~1 mm to ~50 mm (metal/non-metal)	Very fast (< 2 ms)	Detects liquids/plastics as well
Ultrasonic Sensor	~2 cm to ~400 cm (varies by model)	Moderate (~10–30 ms)	Good for longer range, larger footprint
IR Proximity / Break-beam	~1 cm to ~100 cm (reflective)	Fast (~5–15 ms)	Shorter range, impacted by ambient light

Sample Projects

Arduino Projects

1. Simple Obstacle Detection Using an IR Proximity Sensor


const int irPin = 2;

void setup() {
  pinMode(irPin, INPUT);
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int state = digitalRead(irPin);

  if (state == LOW) {
    Serial.println("Obstacle Detected");
  } else {
    Serial.println("Clear");
  }

  delay(200);
}

2. Ultrasonic Distance Measuring Tool


const int trigPin = 9;
const int echoPin = 10;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(echoPin, INPUT);
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);

  digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);

  long duration = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);
  float distance = duration * 0.034 / 2;

  Serial.print("Distance: ");
  Serial.print(distance);
  Serial.println(" cm");

  delay(200);
}

Raspberry Pi Projects

1. Obstacle Avoidance Robot with an Ultrasonic Sensor

Idea: Use an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor to detect obstacles and control two motors using an H-bridge or motor driver.


import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
import time

TRIG = 23
ECHO = 24

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)
GPIO.setup(TRIG, GPIO.OUT)
GPIO.setup(ECHO, GPIO.IN)

def get_distance():
    GPIO.output(TRIG, False)
    time.sleep(0.05)

    GPIO.output(TRIG, True)
    time.sleep(0.00001)
    GPIO.output(TRIG, False)

    while GPIO.input(ECHO) == 0:
        pulse_start = time.time()

    while GPIO.input(ECHO) == 1:
        pulse_end = time.time()

    duration = pulse_end - pulse_start
    distance = (duration * 34300) / 2
    return distance

try:
    while True:
        d = get_distance()
        print("Distance:", round(d, 1), "cm")
        # if d < 20: stop or turn motors here
        time.sleep(0.2)
except KeyboardInterrupt:
    GPIO.cleanup()

You can add motor control logic (turn left, turn right, stop) based on the d threshold.

2. DIY Distance/Touch Sensor with Electric Paint

Idea: Use Electric Paint as a touch / proximity pad connected to a GPIO pin. When touched, the pin changes state (or analog value if using an ADC).


import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
import time

TOUCH_PIN = 17  # connected to Electric Paint pad

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)
GPIO.setup(TOUCH_PIN, GPIO.IN, pull_up_down=GPIO.PUD_DOWN)

try:
    while True:
        if GPIO.input(TOUCH_PIN) == GPIO.HIGH:
            print("Touch detected!")
        else:
            print("No touch")
        time.sleep(0.2)
except KeyboardInterrupt:
    GPIO.cleanup()

Installation & Calibration Guides

Mounting & Alignment: For inductive/capacitive sensors, position close to the target surface (within specified distance). For ultrasonic sensors, mount facing the surface directly and avoid angled surfaces.
Power & Grounding: Use stable power supply; avoid noisy or shared power lines especially for sensitive sensors.
Calibration Steps:
- Ultrasonic: Test with known distances and compare readings. Use smoothing or filtering if readings fluctuate.
- IR: Adjust threshold in code or hardware sensitivity to ignore ambient light effects.
- Inductive/Capacitive: Use teaching mode if available, set correct sensitivity, ensure target material is compatible.
Environmental Considerations: Avoid areas with heavy dust, vibration, or interference for accurate readings. Ultrasonic waves may reflect unpredictably from angled or soft surfaces.
Wiring Protection: For outdoor installations, use shielded cable and waterproof junctions. Secure cables to prevent movement that affects readings or alignment.

Proximity Sensor

A proximity sensor detects the presence or movement of objects without physical contact. It converts this detection into an electrical signal, making it essential for automation, robotics, and security systems. These proximity switch sensor are widely used in industrial automation, touchless switches, and object detection in various fields.

There are four main types of proximity sensors based on their working principles.

Inductive proximity sensor detect metal objects using electromagnetic fields.

Capacitive proximity sensor sense both metallic and non-metallic objects by measuring changes in capacitance.

Photoelectric sensors use a light source and receiver to detect objects.

Magnetic proximity sensors rely on magnets to trigger a switch.

Each type has unique applications, making proximity switch highly versatile.

Proximity sensors can be Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC), depending on how they react when an object is detected. They can output analog or digital signals based on their design. While IR sensors are often categorized as proximity sensors, they specifically use infrared light for object detection, differing slightly in function from other proximity switch.

Distance Sensor

A distance sensor uses technologies like ultrasonic waves, infrared (IR), lasers, or LEDs to detect the distance between an object and the sensor without making physical touch. Robotics, automation, and obstacle detection all make extensive use of these sensors.

There are various kinds: Laser sensors use precise light beams for precise measurements, infrared sensors use light intensity to detect distance, and ultrasonic sensors measure the time it takes for sound waves to reflect back. Distance sensors give precise measurement information, in contrast to proximity sensors, which just identify the presence of an object.

Target material, surroundings, precision, and range all play a role in selecting the best distance sensor. For example, laser sensors provide excellent precision for industrial applications, whereas ultrasonic sensors perform well in hazy environments.

Buy Distance/ Proximity Sensors Online in India

Robocraze is happy to support you in selecting the right high-accuracy proximity sensor module and ultrasonic distance sensor module, among other types of sensors, for your projects. We know how important it is to have reliable, precise sensor readings, that's why our proximity detection modules are built to be straightforward to incorporate into your project. We provide a variety of sensors that will satisfy your needs, whether you're working on robots, building a smart home, or taking on a DIY project.

Our Ultrasonic distance and IR proximity sensors give accurate readings and fast reaction times, which allows you to improve the safety, efficiency, and utility of your projects. What actually sets us apart is our exceptional customer service, we are here to assist you in selecting the appropriate wireless proximity sensor for Robotics projects.

When you choose Robocraze, you choose reliability, innovation, and top-notch support.

How much do Proximity Sensors Cost?

Proximity Sensors	Cost
DC NPN NO 4mm Detection distance proximity detector sensor	Rs.214
TFMiNi micro LIDAR Sensor Module	Rs.4668
Sharp GP2Y0D810Z0F Distance Sensor	Rs.454
E18-D80NK Infrared Sensor Module	Rs.245
LJ18A3-8-Z/BX 8mm Inductive Proximity Sensor	Rs.245
Waterproof Ultrasonic Sensor	Rs.447
HC-SR-04 Ultrasonic Sensor	Rs.63
3 Channel IR Infrared CTRT5000 Line Detection Module	Rs.169
KY033 TCRT5000 Sensor	Rs.51
5 Channel IR Infrared CTRT5000 Line Detection Module	Rs.235

Popular Searches

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1.What are Proximity Sensors?

Proximity sensors are devices that detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. PR sensors emit an electromagnetic field or a beam of electromagnetic radiation and look for changes in the field or return signal.

2.What are Proximity Sensors used for?

These sensors can be used for a wide range of applications. They can be used as parking sensors in cars. Here the sensors are integrated to the bumpers of the cars, and alerts the driver when the car is in close contact with another vehicle. They are used in Ground Proximity Warning systems that are designed to alert pilots if their aircraft is in immediate danger of flying into the ground or an obstacle. They are also used in measuring vibrations of rotating shafts in machinery. They are also used in roller coasters. This sensor precedes the trim brake in order to identify the current speed of the passing train.

3.What are the types of proximity sensors?

Proximity sensors are classified into five main types: Inductive (detects metals via eddy currents), Capacitive (detects both metal and non-metal objects), Magnetic (detects permanent magnets through walls), Ultrasonic (uses sound waves, detects any material), and Photoelectric/Optical (detects via reflected light). Each type suits specific applications. Choose based on target material, detection distance, and environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and ambient interference.

4. What types of proximity sensors are available?

Think of this collection as a treasure box of “don’t-touch-me” sensors. You’ll find inductive sensors that spot metal, capacitive ones that sense pretty much anything nearby, IR proximity modules for short-range detection, ultrasonic sensors for echo-based distance measuring, and even magnetic reed switches that react to magnets. Each one has its own way of noticing the world without ever making contact.

5. What is the difference between inductive and capacitive sensors?

Inductive sensors are like metal detectives. They only react when metals step into their invisible field. Capacitive sensors, on the other hand, are more curious and respond to a wider range of materials including plastic, wood, liquid, and even your hand. One is picky and metal-obsessed; the other is a friendly generalist.

6. Can proximity sensors be used in robotics?

Absolutely. Robots love these sensors like bats love sonar. Proximity modules help bots avoid walls, detect objects, follow paths, sense obstacles, and even stop before bumping into furniture. Whether you’re building a line-follower bug-bot or an ambitious warehouse rover, proximity sensing is a core superpower.

7. What is the detection range of these sensors?

Ranges vary by type. Inductive sensors usually work best at a few millimeters, capacitive sensors can stretch a bit farther, IR modules handle short distances, and ultrasonic sensors can measure several meters ahead. The idea is to pick the right nose for the robot, based on how far ahead you want it to “sniff” the world.

8. Are these sensors Arduino and Raspberry Pi compatible?

Yes, most of them play very nicely with Arduino boards, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and other microcontroller platforms. Many come with simple digital or analog outputs, making them plug-and-program friendly. A little wiring, a quick code snippet, and boom your project starts sensing its surroundings like it has super-awareness.