1. Temperature sensors
IoT sensors are capable of measuring a variety of physical phenomena, starting with temperature. They monitor the amount of heat generated by an object, surface, or environment and integrate into everyday devices such as air conditioners and refrigerators.
When integrated into 4G/LTE-M devices, these sensors allow real-time monitoring of temperature fluctuations and can immediately alert businesses in case of changes. Manufacturers shipping products within the cold chain can thus better monitor transit conditions and ensure products are delivered with the highest possible quality.
2. Biomedical sensors
Telehealth, remote monitoring, patient management systems… IoT sensors are increasingly used in healthcare scenarios requiring real-time information. They are designed to monitor and measure physiological and biological parameters of the human body, such as vital signs, blood oxygen levels, glucose levels, or heart rate. For chronic diseases or home recovery, IoT medical devices facilitate remote patient monitoring.
A rapidly developing example is connected ambulances. These vehicles incorporate 5G-connected solutions equipped with medical sensors and a live video system. While transporting patients to the hospital, they send vital health data such as heart rate and oxygen saturation to doctors. This innovative network technology enables more advanced resuscitation care.
3. Smoke sensors
From residential buildings to company manufacturing areas, almost all structures are equipped with alarms to detect fires and smoke and to trigger a sound in case of danger.
In the context of IoT applications, these alarms offer more advanced features. For example, they can send a signal to other devices to open fire ventilators and evacuation doors or alert teams.
Several startups are also focusing on smoke sensors in the design of IoT solutions aimed at detecting forest fires before they fully ignite. To combat this global issue, IoT sensors installed on trees detect fires and gases. They use LTE-M technologies to cover large distances while minimizing energy consumption.
4. Air quality sensors
These sensors monitor air quality and measure levels of pollution, carbon dioxide, and other pollutants (chemicals, particles, etc.). Paired with analytical tools, they provide information on potential health and environmental risks.
Within smart cities, infrastructures can provide real-time air quality information to residents and local authorities. In industrial environments, the protection of employees from exposure to harmful chemicals or airborne particles is enhanced.
These cellular-connected sensors are also widely used in schools and daycare centers. In France, there is a regulation requiring air quality monitoring within classrooms. These devices use technologies such as NB-IoT or LTE-M to connect to the cloud and monitor in real-time the presence of gases and contaminants, as well as key parameters like humidity.
5. Light sensors
Also known as “photodetectors,” their role is to detect visible light. The most common use case? Smart urban lighting that incorporates IoT solutions to help reduce energy consumption in smart cities. Thanks to light sensors, streetlights automatically turn on at dusk and adjust the lighting level based on weather conditions (fog, windy conditions).
These connected devices use technologies such as LTE-M and NB-IoT, which offer extensive national coverage. They are suitable for applications that do not have high data requirements but do need low latency, as well as good coverage and penetration capabilities.
6. Motion sensors
Commonly used in IoT applications, they detect the presence (or absence) of objects and measure their distance. In IoT, an interesting application is the wireless security camera. What’s the benefit? It provides remote monitoring and easy installation, as it doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi. Connected to 4G or 5G, it can cover areas with limited internet access, such as locations far from city centers (e.g., farms). This type of camera is also useful for temporary needs, such as construction sites where setting up Wi-Fi is impractical. By using a cellular network, it can transmit video footage and send alerts.
7. Vibration sensors
Vibration sensors capture vibrations and record their frequency, speed, and amplitude. In the industrial sector, they monitor the condition of equipment, detect misaligned or worn parts, and help predict failures. In the event of anomalies, they alert teams who can quickly intervene to carry out maintenance.
This type of sensor is particularly used for the monitoring of oil platforms. By measuring critical parameters such as vibration levels in real-time, they enhance the safety of operations and enable a rapid response in case of anomalies. Positioned in remote locations, these sensors operate with low-power cellular technologies. The most commonly used in IoT solutions for the oil industry are NB-IoT, LTE-M, and private 5G.
8. Level sensors
These IoT sensors detect changes in levels, whether they involve liquids (water), solids, or granular substances. If levels reach a certain threshold, they send a real-time alert. The benefit? Preventing overflows, improving resource management, and facilitating automation.
Common monitoring cases include:
- Wastewater in treatment plants
- Water in washing machines or dishwashers
- Groundwater levels
To exchange information, IoT sensors communicate via reliable, long-range connectivity solutions. For critical applications, cellular technologies such as 4G, 5G, NB-IoT, or LTE-M are employed. In emergencies, these technologies help prevent connectivity loss and ensure reliable data transfer, which is crucial for situations where speed and efficiency are essential.
Are you a manufacturer of connected objects? At Objenious, a Bouygues Telecom brand dedicated to IoT, we offer tailor-made support. As the first operator in France to offer both LTE-M and NB-IoT, we have ensured coverage for more than 99% of the national population since the end of 2022. We are also present in over 126 countries! The result: guaranteed performance for your connected objects, even in rural areas. Contact our experts for guidance in your technology choice and discover our digital offers.