For each and every Arduino project, you need to collect and process data from the physical world. For that, you have to use sensors. These sensors can be connected to an Arduino microcontroller board, which enables you to control various devices based on the information collected. In this blog post, I will introduce you to the 20 most popular Arduino sensors. I’m going to give you an introduction about each sensor, and their real-world application and I will also give a tutorial link and a link to buy them for the cheapest price.
Here is the list of 20 Arduino sensors I’m going to discuss.
- Ultrasonic Sensor
- Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) Sensor
- Temperature Sensor (LM35 or DS18B20)
- PIR (Passive Infrared) Motion Sensor
- Joystick Sensor
- Sound Sensor
- IR Remote Control Sensor
- Tilt Sensor
- Accelerometer Sensor (ADXL335 or MPU6050)
- Gyroscope Sensor
- Compass (Magnetometer) Sensor
- Barometer (Pressure) Sensor
- Gas Sensor (MQ2)
- Humidity Sensor (DHT11 or DHT22)
- Proximity Sensor (HC-SR04)
- Rain Sensor
Ultrasonic Sensor
The ultrasonic sensor is a type of distance sensor that uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the distance between the sensor and an object. It works by emitting a sound wave, measuring the time it takes for the wave to bounce back, and calculating the distance based on the time elapsed. Ultrasonic sensors are commonly used in applications such as obstacle avoidance, measuring liquid levels, and determining the distance between two points.
Applications:
- Obstacle avoidance in robots
- Measuring liquid levels in tanks
- Distance measurement between two points
Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) Sensor
The Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor is a type of resistor that changes its resistance based on the amount of light it receives. This sensor is commonly used to measure ambient light levels and can be used in a variety of applications, such as controlling the brightness of an LED based on the surrounding light.
Applications:
- Measuring ambient light levels
- Controlling the brightness of an LED based on the surrounding light
- Implementing a light-sensitive switch
Temperature Sensor (LM35 or DS18B20)
The temperature sensor is a device that measures the temperature of its surroundings. The most common types of temperature sensors used with Arduino are the LM35 and DS18B20. The LM35 is an analog sensor, while the DS18B20 is a digital sensor. These sensors are commonly used in applications such as monitoring the temperature of a room, controlling the temperature of a heating or cooling system, and tracking temperature changes in the environment.
Applications:
- Monitoring the temperature of a room
- Controlling the temperature of a heating or cooling system
- Tracking temperature changes in the environment
PIR (Passive Infrared) Motion Sensor
The PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensor is a device that detects changes in infrared radiation levels, indicating the presence of motion. This sensor is commonly used in applications such as home security systems, motion-activated lighting, and motion detection in robots.
Applications:
- Home security systems
- Motion-activated lighting
- Motion detection in robots
Tutorial: how to interface PIR (Passive Infrared) Motion Sensor with arduino
Joystick Sensor
The joystick sensor is a type of input device that allows users to control the movement of a cursor or other on-screen object by moving the joystick in different directions. This sensor is commonly used in applications such as video games, robot control, and navigation systems.
Applications:
- Video games
- Robot control
- Navigation systems
Tutorial: how to interface Joystick Sensor with Arduino
Sound Sensor
The sound sensor is a device that measures the sound level in its surroundings. This sensor is commonly used in applications such as detecting the presence of sound, measuring sound levels, and controlling the brightness of an LED based on the volume of sound in the environment.
Applications:
- Detecting the presence of sound
- Measuring sound levels
- Controlling the brightness of an LED based on the volume of sound in the environment
Tutorial: How to interface Sound Sensor with Arduino
IR Remote Control Sensor
The IR (Infrared) remote control sensor is a device that receives signals from an IR remote control and decodes the signals into recognizable data. This sensor is commonly used in applications such as controlling the playback of a media player, controlling the brightness of an LED, and controlling the speed of a motor.
Applications:
- Controlling the playback of a media player
- Controlling the brightness of an LED
- Controlling the speed of a motor
Tutorial: How to interface IR Remote Control Sensor with Arduino
Tilt Sensor
The tilt sensor is a device that detects the orientation of an object with respect to gravity. This sensor is commonly used in applications such as detecting the orientation of a device, detecting the tilt of a surface, and controlling the movement of a robot.
Applications:
- Detecting the orientation of a device
- Detecting the tilt of a surface
- Controlling the movement of a robot
Tutorial: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/arduino-tilt-sensor
Accelerometer Sensor (ADXL335 or MPU6050)
The accelerometer sensor is a device that measures acceleration and tilt. The most common types of accelerometer sensors used with Arduino are the ADXL335 and MPU6050. These sensors are commonly used in applications such as detecting motion and orientation, measuring acceleration, and controlling the movement of a robot.
Applications:
- Detecting motion and orientation
- Measuring acceleration
- Controlling the movement of a robot
Tutorial: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/accelerometer-arduino-interfacing-tutorial
Gyroscope Sensor
The gyroscope sensor is a device that measures the orientation and angular velocity of an object. This sensor is commonly used in applications such as detecting the orientation of a device, controlling the movement of a robot, and measuring angular velocity.
Applications:
- Detecting the orientation of a device
- Controlling the movement of a robot
- Measuring angular velocity
Tutorial: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/gyroscope-arduino-interfacing
Compass (Magnetometer) Sensor
The compass (magnetometer) sensor is a device that measures the strength and direction of a magnetic field. This sensor is commonly used in applications such as determining the direction of a compass, detecting the orientation of a device, and controlling the movement of a robot.
Applications:
- Determining the direction of a compass
- Detecting the orientation of a device
- Controlling the movement of a robot
Tutorial: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/compass-module-arduino-tutorial
Barometer (Pressure) Sensor
barometer (pressure) sensor is a device that measures atmospheric pressure. This sensor is commonly used in applications such as measuring the altitude of a device, monitoring the weather, and predicting the weather.
Applications:
- Measuring the altitude of a device
- Monitoring the weather
- Predicting the weather
Tutorial: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/barometer-arduino-interfacing-tutorial
Gas (MQ2) Sensor
The gas (MQ2) sensor is a device that detects the presence of various gases such as smoke, LPG, alcohol, and propane. This sensor is commonly used in applications such as detecting gas leaks, monitoring air quality, and controlling ventilation.
Applications:
- Detecting gas leaks
- Monitoring air quality
- Controlling ventilation
Tutorial: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/gas-sensor-arduino-interfacing-tutorial
Humidity Sensor (DHT11 or DHT22)
The humidity sensor is a device that measures the relative humidity of the air. The most common types of humidity sensors used with Arduino are the DHT11 and DHT22. These sensors are commonly used in applications such as monitoring the humidity levels in a room, controlling the humidity in a greenhouse, and monitoring the humidity in a food storage area.
Applications:
- Monitoring the humidity levels in a room
- Controlling the humidity in a greenhouse
- Monitoring the humidity in a food storage area
Tutorial: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/humidity-sensor-arduino-interfacing-tutorial
.com/microcontroller-projects/light-sensor-arduino-interfacing-tutorial
proximity sensor (IR)
The proximity sensor (IR) is a device that detects the presence of an object in its vicinity. This sensor is commonly used in applications such as detecting the presence of a person, controlling the speed of a motor, and controlling the direction of a robot.
Applications:
- Detecting the presence of a person
- Controlling the speed of a motor
- Controlling the direction of a robot
Tutorial: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/proximity-sensor-arduino-interfacing-tutorial
Rain Sensor
The rain sensor is a device that detects the presence of rain. This sensor is commonly used in applications such as turning on a rain sensor light, controlling the speed of a windscreen wiper, and turning off an irrigation system during a rainstorm.
Applications:
- Turning on a rain sensor light
- Controlling the speed of a windscreen wiper
- Turning off an irrigation system during a rainstorm
Tutorial: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/rain-sensor-arduino-interfacing-tutorial