Sensors - Not just for research anymore

The use of sensors for research applications is commonplace. But the need and use of sensors has made the transition for the realm of the highly scientific research world to mainstream of engineering applications. This migration is due in part to the improvement or enhancement of the sensor itself and in part to the enhancement of related technologies-computers, cellular technology, and wireless technology. The other reason for the migration is based on need. Mainstream engineering recognizes the benefit of the senor technology to address their need for reliable data to assist with decision making, incident management, validation of assumptions, safety, and security enhancements. The paper provides a summary of the sensor uses outside of the research community and identifies some emphasis need in sensor technology and related technologies.