Automation & Robotics Sensors - ABB
At Centro, we carry a complete selection of automation and robotics sensors to keep your operations running with precision. From Proximity and Photoelectric Sensors for reliable o...
Encoders are electromechanical devices used to convert mechanical motion or position into electrical signals. These devices provide feedback on the position, speed, or direction of rotating components, such as motors, shafts, or robotic joints. Encoders offer high accuracy and resolution, enabling precise control and positioning in industrial automation, robotics, CNC machines, or motion control systems. They are available in various types, including optical encoders, magnetic encoders, or capacitive encoders, providing options for different motion sensing requirements.
Sensor cables are specialized cables designed for connecting sensors to control systems or data acquisition devices. These cables provide the necessary electrical connections for transmitting power supply, signal, and data between the sensor and the target device. Sensor cables are often shielded to minimize interference and maintain signal integrity in noisy industrial environments. They come in different lengths, connector types, and specifications to accommodate various sensor configurations and connectivity requirements. Sensor cables ensure reliable and accurate data transmission from sensors to the control or monitoring systems.
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) is a cutting-edge technology transforming how businesses manage inventory, track assets, and enhance security. With RFID, small chips or tags can store and transmit data wirelessly, allowing for real-time industry monitoring and automation. These versatile devices are used in logistics, retail, healthcare, and more to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and streamline operations. RFID is ushering in a new era of data-driven decision-making and is at the forefront of the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution.
$104.74
Subject to factory lead times
$2,774.14
Subject to factory lead times
$2,774.14
Subject to factory lead times
$2,569.95
Subject to factory lead times
$3,865.84
Subject to factory lead times
$217.80
Subject to factory lead times
$2,893.92
Subject to factory lead times
$4,168.02
Subject to factory lead times
$4,168.02
Subject to factory lead times
$11.10
Subject to factory lead times
$104.74
Subject to factory lead times
$2,774.14
Subject to factory lead times
$2,774.14
Subject to factory lead times
$2,569.95
Subject to factory lead times
$3,865.84
Subject to factory lead times
$217.80
Subject to factory lead times
$2,893.92
Subject to factory lead times
$4,168.02
Subject to factory lead times
$4,168.02
Subject to factory lead times
$11.10
Subject to factory lead times
- Choosing the right industrial sensor starts with identifying what you need to detect and the conditions the sensor will operate in. For detecting metal objects at close range in harsh environments, inductive proximity sensors are the most reliable choice — they use an electromagnetic field and are resistant to dirt and contamination. For non-metallic materials like plastics, liquids, or powders, capacitive sensors detect changes in capacitance and can even sense through container walls. For longer-range detection of virtually any material, photoelectric sensors use light beams and are available in through-beam, retroreflective, and diffuse configurations. For distance and level measurement, ultrasonic sensors use sound waves while laser sensors offer high-precision alternatives. Magnetic cylinder sensors detect piston position inside pneumatic cylinders and are standard in pneumatic automation. Encoders measure rotational position and speed for motion control feedback. Pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, and color and contrast sensors round out the range for specialized measurement tasks. Always match the sensor's IP rating and housing material to your environment, and verify that the output type (PNP, NPN, analog, or IO-Link) is compatible with your PLC or controller.
- These three sensor types cover the majority of object detection applications in automation, each with distinct operating principles and strengths. Inductive proximity sensors detect metal objects only, using an electromagnetic field — they are extremely reliable, resistant to dirt and contamination, and ideal for detecting machine parts, cylinders, and metal targets in harsh conditions. Capacitive sensors detect changes in capacitance and can sense both metallic and non-metallic materials — plastics, wood, liquids, powders, and granular materials — making them the go-to choice for level sensing through container walls and detecting non-metal objects. Photoelectric sensors emit and detect a light beam (visible red, infrared, or laser) and can detect virtually any material at longer sensing distances — from millimeters to tens of meters. They are available in through-beam (highest range and reliability), retroreflective (uses a reflector), and diffuse (detects light reflected from the object) configurations. The right choice depends on the target material, sensing range, and environmental conditions.
- A magnetic cylinder sensor is a compact sensor designed to detect the position of a piston inside a pneumatic cylinder without physical contact. Most modern pneumatic cylinders have a permanent magnet embedded in the piston. The magnetic cylinder sensor mounts externally on the cylinder barrel — typically in a T-slot or C-slot groove machined into the extrusion — and detects the magnet's field as the piston reaches that position, sending a discrete signal to the PLC confirming the cylinder has reached its end-of-stroke or a specific intermediate position. These sensors are ubiquitous in pneumatic automation — virtually every cylinder in a machine has at least two (one for extended, one for retracted) to confirm position before the PLC advances to the next step in the sequence. They are available with Reed switch, GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistive), or Hall-effect sensing elements.
- Encoders are sensors that measure the rotational position, speed, and direction of a shaft — converting mechanical motion into electrical signals that a PLC, drive, or controller uses for feedback and control. Incremental encoders generate pulses as the shaft rotates — the controller counts pulses to determine relative position and calculates speed from pulse frequency. They require a home or reference point to establish absolute position. Absolute encoders output a unique digital code for every angular position, providing immediate position knowledge at power-up without a reference run. Encoders are used in motion control systems (servo motor feedback), conveyor speed and position tracking (for product spacing and divert timing), winding and unwinding applications (web tension control), and any application where knowing the exact rotational position or speed of a shaft is required for process control.
- Start with four fundamental questions: What am I detecting? (metal, plastic, liquid, any material), At what distance? (millimeters, centimeters, or meters), In what environment? (clean, dusty, wet, high-temperature, washdown), and What output do I need? (discrete on/off, analog distance measurement, digital communication like IO-Link). For metal detection at short range in harsh conditions, inductive sensors are the first choice. For non-metal or liquid detection, capacitive sensors excel. For long-range detection or where the target material varies, photoelectric sensors offer the most versatility. For distance measurement, ultrasonic or laser sensors provide continuous analog output proportional to distance. Always match the sensor's IP rating and housing material to the environment, and verify that the output type (PNP, NPN, analog 4-20mA, IO-Link) is compatible with your PLC or controller input.