Multi-technology sensors are being developed for medical, manufacturing, personal health and other applications not previously possible with historic single-technology sensors

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the advancements in new multi-technology sensor products being developed or already serving the market and to explore such applications. The paper also addresses some hacking problems which may arise. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a review of published information and papers on multi-technology sensor research as well as contact and discussions with multi-technology sensor researchers and suppliers in this field. Findings Microelectronics and electrochemical technologies have been major factors in the multi-sensor technology advancements of sensors for a wide range of applications. Sensors are becoming much smarter; solving application problems better than has been previously possible with single-technology sensors. Multi-technology sensors in many cases may offer better resolution and are much more sensitive than single technology sensors in the past. Practical implications Readers may be very excited to learn of the many advances in multi-technology sensors which are coming to the sensor field. Applications that were previously served with more than one sensor or were not possible before are now being served by multi-technology sensors. One such application which many readers may not be aware of but may be using is the wearable individual exercise sensor. One such device is the Apple Watch which will be reviewed in some detail later in this paper. Originality/value No previous review of multi-technology sensing has been observed.