Havi.co’s DIY robot car comes with 1 sensor, the IR sensor. And the car that you make out of DIY robotic Starter kit has 2 sensors.
1) IR Sensor
2) Light Sensor
Even with just 2 sensors, kids and grown ups make any where between 18 to 25 different smart car functions.
What would happen if there are 10, 15 or 25 sensors in the car? Indeed a smart car, no?
Yes, the cars we drive around on the roads do come with sensors inside. In fact so many sensors. They all are fitted throughout the car and we can’t see them but these sensors make our driving experience and the journey better, smoother, and safer.
Let’s checkout list of car sensors and their functions.
1. Ultrasonic Distance Sensor: This sensor helps the car detect obstacles when parking and ensures we don’t bump into things.
2. GPS Sensor: The GPS sensor keeps us on the right track, guiding us with directions and helping us find our way in unfamiliar places.
3. Speed Sensor: This sensor monitors the car’s speed, making sure we stay within legal limits and avoid over speeding.
5. Fuel Level Sensor: This tells us how much fuel is left in the tank, so we don’t run out of petrol or diesel unexpectedly.
6. Rain Sensor: Do the wipers turn on automatically in your car as soon as rain drops start falling on the windshield? That’s due to rain sensor.
7. Light Sensors: Light sensors automatically adjust the car’s headlights and interior lighting to match the ambient light conditions, enhancing safety and convenience.
8. Air Quality Sensor: This sensor checks the air inside the car for pollutants, helping to keep the cabin environment fresh and healthy.
9. Tire Pressure Sensors: These sensors alert us when the tire pressure is too low, preventing blowouts and enhancing fuel efficiency.
10. Oxygen Sensor: Oxygen sensors help optimize the car’s engine performance and reduce emissions, contributing to cleaner air.
11. ABS Sensors: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) sensors prevent the wheels from locking up during sudden braking, improving control and safety.
12. Brake Fluid Level Sensor: This sensor ensures the brake fluid is at the right level for optimal braking performance.
13. Cabin Humidity Sensor: Maintaining the right humidity level inside the car contributes to passenger comfort.
14. Seat Belt Sensors: These sensors remind us to fasten our seat belts for safety and can also adjust the airbag deployment.
15. Weight Sensors: Weight sensors in the seats can detect passengers and adjust airbag deployment for added safety.
16. Steering Angle Sensor: This sensor assists in vehicle stability control, ensuring safer and smoother driving.
17. Door Ajar Sensors: Door ajar sensors notify us if a door is not properly closed, preventing accidents and damage.
18. Oil Level Sensor: Oil level sensors alert us when the engine’s oil level is low, preventing engine damage and wear.
19. IR Sensor: Used to detect distance and obstacle.
But wait, here are some of the sensors used mostly in advanced and autonomous cars.
20. Lidar: Found in autonomous cars, it uses laser pulses to create detailed 3D maps for navigation.
21. Radar Sensor: Assists in adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance.
Camera Sensors: Provide visual data for lane-keeping, traffic sign recognition, and more.
22. Proximity Sensors: Used in smart cars to monitor surroundings and provide collision warnings.
23. Infrared Cameras: Detect heat signatures for night vision and pedestrian detection.
24. Battery Temperature Sensor: Monitors the battery’s temperature in electric cars.
26. Electric Motor Temperature Sensor: Monitors motor temperature to prevent overheating.
27. Autopilot Cameras: In Tesla and similar cars, these provide data for advanced driver-assistance systems.
And we are skipping sensors like Mass flow sensor, Crankshaft position sensor, MAP sensor, Throttle position sensor, knock sensor and few others just to keep too much of technicalities away.
Incredible no!
So from now on when you are driving or just travelling using a car, think of these sensors thank their creators too.
WHAT? When are we introducing some of these sensors in Havi Elements DIY Robotic toy car, you asked? 😉