Technology at our Fingertips

Technology at our Fingertips

Technology at our Fingertips – We now live in a world consumed with technology and whether we like it or not, it looks like it is here to stay. The way forward is to embrace new ideas and focus on the benefits they can create to improve our life.

Women Talking looks at a number of the ways technology is incorporated within our lifestyles using the basic principles of sensor technology.

From the things we use and encounter on a daily basis to those hidden technologies we are unaware of and perhaps cannot see.

Most of us have a phone in the palm of our hand for the majority of the day, if not a phone an iPad or computer close by. Inside our phone is a temperature sensor. This is an electronic device that measures the temperature of its environment, it converts the input data into electronic data to record, monitor, or signal temperature changes. This means if your device gets too hot it will shut down to cool off. Although this can be frustrating, it is also fascinating to understand how intuitive technology can be and it is there to help and keep us safe.

Temperature sensors are used widely in the medical world. The most obvious example is within a thermometer, to measure the temperature of individuals. However, they are also used for a variety of other medical products including MRI imaging equipment and portable ultrasound scanners.

Within our homes, many electrical appliances, ranging from refrigerators and freezers contain sensors to help regulate and maintain cold temperatures as well as within stoves and ovens to ensure that they heat to the required levels for cooking. 

Even battery chargers use them, in order to prevent overcharging or undercharging based on measuring the battery’s temperature.

The climate control in your car automatically adjusts with hidden sensors, the parameters based on temperature, this in turn avoids putting the driver and passengers at risk whilst driving. Another is the radiator, this is vital, as you are warned when the water circulating through your car engine is approaching a dangerously high temperature, which could potentially cause the engine to break if exceeded. 

Humidity 

Humidity is defined as the amount of water present in the surrounding air, something I for one take for granted. The water content in the air is a key factor in the wellness and comfort you feel in an environment particularly in your home, office or workplace where you are hoping for the perfect balance for maximum comfort.

humidity sensor (or hygrometer) senses, measures and reports both moisture and air temperature. 

Sensing and controlling humidity in our environment is important as higher humidity conditions will affect the blood flow and ultimately our overall health.

Other areas where humidity control is important includes whilst you are cooking in the home as this can create excess moisture and it is advisable to keep it controlled.

Sensors have an important role in the world of agriculture too, for example, Irrigation techniques like drip irrigation need accurate moisture content for plants to successfully grow. Also, the moisture in the soil plays an important role in the proper growth of the plant. 

If you look at the medical profession you would be surprised how much equipment like ventilators, incubators and sterilisers need humidity control sensors too.  

As you can see, we are surrounded by an array of invisible technology, with huge benefits, helping to improve our lifestyle day by day.

Poppy Watt

Welcome to Women Talking.

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