5.1. Overview

A mechatronic device can only respond and make decisions by sensing the real world. Sensors translate real world phenomena into electrical signals that can be interpreted by a microcontroller.

5.1.1. Types of Sensors

In this lesson we will learn more about the following sensor types:

• Motion and Position

• Light and Colour

• Environmental

• Proximity and Touch

• Force and Fluid Pressure

5.1.2. Sensor Data

Then we will learn about the various ways we can read sensor data: Sensors send data to the microcontroller in three main ways, which we will discuss in more detail later:

• Analog Sensors

• Buses