Specific applications are being developed through co-creation with industry partners.
The colour sensor uses a white LED to emit light and receive reflected light according to the colour of detected objects. The colour sensor separates received reflected light into red, green, and blue, then outputs RGB data as voltage values using the I2C interface.
Applications range from monitoring of lubricant deterioration in robot arms and elevators, through drinks dispensers, to object detection on production lines. One example, the colour sensor can monitor oil deterioration in hydraulic equipment used in industrial machinery - in real time using colours to monitor the condition of the oil. Providing maintenance at optimal timing is vital for manufacturing plants. Minimal production losses within manufacturing sites contribute to carbon neutrality.
Development of sensing technology and optical design technology enables simpler integration into the equipment thanks to compact size, just W:40mm x D:8.4mm x H:15.9mm. In addition, the integration of I2C communications into the sensor streamlines embedding in the equipment.
The new sensor has been designed to help customers remotely monitor equipment deterioration in real-time, leading to the visualisation of the equipment and the reduction of person-hours required for inspection and maintenance.
