Used in different robotic applications to communicate the distance and direction, for a robot that follow a line, for CO2 detection in the atmosphere, as well as detecting objects, infrared sensors are an invaluable resource in robotics.

Using electronic parts and a source of infrared light, the sensor measure the light reflected in the field of view.

In this article, I made an overview of infrared sensors designed to be used for simple to advanced applications, as well as different applications including CO2 detection from the atmosphere, motion detection, color detection, or for communication between robots.

Sharp IS417F

Small and simple are the two words that characterize this sensor from Sharp. It could be used in application for short distances as a proximity detector
It works by illuminating the object with IR light source generated by an LED while the output value depending on the distance between the sensor and the object.

DFRobot Infrared Sensor

Designed for small robotic applications with a detection range between 3 to 80 centimeters, DFrobot Infrared sensor is designed to fit in any project for object detection. It could be used in educational applications as well as for hobbyist due to its full documentation and a friendly interface.

The output is an analog and its value depends on the distance between the sensor and the object detected.

Features

• Power supply: 5 V;
• Current: 100 mA;
• Range detection: 3 to 80 cm;

Phidgets 1103

Phidgets 1103 is another infrared sensor with specifications that classifies it for small projects with range detection up to 10 centimeters. In addition, the sensor is very sensible to environmental noises, the output values could be affected by bright light, for example the light of an LED.

Features

• Supply voltage: 4.75 V to 5.25 V;
• Current consumption: 9 mA;
• Output impedance: 1 KOhm;

Dagu

With a maximum range of 20 centimeters, the Dagu infrared sensor could be used in small robotic applications and where the light is weak. Used in sunlight, the sensor is blinded and the results are false values for detection. It works by sensing infrared light to objects and following the light reflected.

Features

• Track movement within 20 cm;
• Simple range finder function;

Sharp GP2Y0A02YK0F

With a name closer than a password and less by a product name, Sharp GP2Y0A02YK0F is a small infrared sensor with high accuracy and three elements including the position detector, infrared diode, and the circuit for processing the signal.
With a range between 20 to 150 cm (7.87 to 59.05 in), the sensor can detect any object and as output has an analog signal directly proportional with distance between the sensor and object.

It has a three-wire interface and out voltage is between -0.3 V and 5.3 V.

Features

• Detection range: 20 cm to 150 cm (7.87 to 59.05 in);
• Operating supply voltage: 4.5 V to 5.5 V;
• Operating supply current: 33 to 50 mA;
• Output terminal voltage: -0.3 V to 5.3 V;
• Typical response time: 39 ms;
• Typical start-up delay: 44 ms;

PIR Motion Sensor

PIR is a motion detection sensor aimed to be used in robotic applications in social environments. It works comparing a snapshot of environment with objects under moving after snapshot comparisons. When the sensor detects movement has generated an analog output.

Pololu IR Beacon Transceiver

Designed for communication between robots, the Beacon Transceiver is a compact board designed for robotic applications to provide the communication between robots. The sensors could communicate each other the distance and the direction while the sensors send and receive infrared light to each other.

Features

• IR modulation frequency: 56 kHz;
• Output refresh rate: 20 Hz;
• Detection range: 15 cm to 600 cm;
• Supply voltage: 6-16 V;
• Data voltage: 5 V;
• Number of IR detectors: 4;

Fairchild QRB1134

Designed to be used for example in applications like a following line robot, the QRB1134 infrared sensor works by emitting infrared light and detect the light emitted by the object. The sensor has a small range of only 0.5 centimeters, which is a very small value.

SenseAir IR CO2

IR CO2 is a special sensor designed to work in special conditions. This sensor can be used in robotic applications with a high degree of danger and is built to detect CO2 emissions from 400 ppm up to 30% vol CO2.