| 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 |
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);
}
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);
}
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.
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()
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.
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.
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.
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