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This section provides an overview for positioning sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 26 positioning sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked positioning sensor companies as of December, 2024: 1.Spectra Symbol, 2.Temposonics, LLC, 3.Sensor Solutions.
Table of Contents
A positioning sensor is a device used to measure and detect the location of objects or individuals. These sensors utilize various technologies to gather location data, offering the ability to detect position and movement with high precision. They can provide real-time object position information, ensuring high accuracy and rapid response.
Non-contact positioning sensors can detect position information without physical contact with the object, allowing for minimal damage or wear to both the object and the sensor equipment.
Positioning sensors find widespread use in several industries:
In robotics, they are used for tasks such as detecting the position and shape of objects via camera systems and image processing. They also control robot arms and are used in part molding lines for automated manufacturing. Rotation detection sensors attached to robot motor shafts aid in precise movement control.
These sensors are crucial in machining for placing machined parts accurately or measuring distances to objects, using encoders to improve positioning accuracy by detecting motor rotation angles.
Used in warehouse management, positioning sensors track inventory location and movement, and control automatic guided vehicles (AGVs).
Positioning sensors operate on various principles but commonly involve interacting with objects or the environment to detect changes in position. Some measure distance using triangulation or time measurement methods, while others use mechanical feedback devices. They all function by detecting changes in position or movement to gather positional information.
There are several major types of positioning sensors:
Limit switches detect object position through the movement of an actuator, converting this movement into an ON/OFF signal.
These sensors use light sources and receivers to detect object presence, position, or transparency. Components such as photocells and photodiodes are common in photoelectric sensors.
Ultrasonic sensors measure position based on the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, commonly used for measuring distances and liquid levels in tanks.
Encoders, connected to rotating shafts, detect position information of rotational or linear motion. Optical encoders use a patterned rotating disk with a light source and optical detector for high-accuracy position detection.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
Spectra Symbol started in 1978 and is located in Utah, U.S.A., and is a manufacturer of sensors for various industries. The company's product folio includes linear position sensors, rotary position sensors, and, flex sensors with a wide range of applications in aerospace, automotive, military, public safety, and, law enforcement sectors. The company also develops liquid-level sensors based on the MagnetoPot1 patented technology for the oil and gas industry. The company also presents sensors under the brand name Neopedic for the medical arena, also its products are crucial in consumer electronics, robotics, and manufacturing automation arenas.
Celera Motion, founded in 1994 in the USA, is a motion control business of Novanta Inc. and a manufacturer of motion control devices and composite solutions for OEMs. The company's products, which include inductive encoders, direct-drive motors, servo drives, transducers, and air-bearing spindles, among others, are also used in the medical, Satcom, UAV, medical, and scientific markets. Celera Motion also offers ISO 9001 and ISO 13485-compliant encoders, motors, sensors, transducers, and servo drives in custom sizes.
Temposonics, founded in Ludenscheid, Germany, in 1951 is a manufacturer of linear position sensors & liquid level transmitters. The company's product portfolio includes Mobile Hydraulics, position sensors, Temposonics, and Liquid level measurement equipment. Their products are used in industries such as industrial automation, robotics, automotive, and aerospace and find applications in chemical processing, water treatment, and oil and gas. They also provide services including product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
Phoenix Sensors is a manufacturer and distributor of various types of OEM pressure sensors. The company is established in 2015 and is located at Chandler, United States. The company product portfolio includes sensors for measurement of various attributes like pressure, temperature, position, humidity, etc. The company also provides these sensors in wireless forms, customized to specific applications. The sensors find application in various industries which include Medical, Oil & Gas, Automotive, Life Sciences.
CTS Corporation was founded in 1896 and is headquartered in Lisle, Illinois. CTS is a manufacturer and distributor of sensors, actuators, and various connectivity components to telecommunications infrastructure, information technology, and other high-speed applications such as the aerospace and medical markets. CTS operates in 3 primary market segments: Sense, Connect, and Move. The Sense market segment includes controls such as potentiometers, pedals, sensors, and switches. The Connect segment includes various types of resistors, capacitors, and frequency control products. The move segment includes piezoelectric move products, rotary actuators, and thermal products including ZIF PC board retainers and heatsinks.
Sensor Solutions, established in 1993 in Colorado, is a manufacturer and distributor specializing in magnetic field sensors and accessories. The company’s product portfolio includes gear detection sensors, analog hall effect sensors, reed switches, and ferrous metal proximity sensors. The company utilizes a modular manufacturing approach which allows them to provide custom solutions tailored to specific application requirements. The company offers design, assembly, and testing under one roof, adhering to ISO 9001 certification. Its capabilities include high-speed precision assembly, magnet design, and calibration.
Optoi Srl, based in Trento, Italy, is manufacturer specializing in optical microelectronic components and smart optoelectronic sensors. Its product range encompasses optical components, position sensors, inertial sensors, level sensors, and integrated circuits. These components find utility in Industry 4.0, mobility, aerospace, biomedical sectors, and green solutions companies. The company has earned accolades including ISO 9001:2015 certification, ISO 6 cleanliness certification for its cleanroom, and a collaboration with the European Space Agency for manufacturing satellite sensors and components.
Gefran is an Italian manufacturer of industrial process automation systems that was founded in Provaglio d'Iseo, Brescia in 1960. The company produces regulatory drives and inverters, various sensors, and automation components such as programmers and controllers. It also offers tailor made systems for specific industrial processes, including thermoforming, injection molding, and extrusion. Gefran products are primarily used in factory automation, as well as by clients in the metalworking, plastics, material handling, and food processing sectors.
SMC corporation was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. SMC Corporation manufactures and sells automatic control equipment and filtration equipment. SMC has production facilities in 30 countries, technical development centers in Japan, the United States, Europe, and China, and sales offices, globally. SMC product lines divided by them include filter replacements, condensation prevention, heat resistance, thermos-chilling, and others. SMC provides a video library as well as product selection guide to assist customers in finding solutions and optimizing product efficiency.
Reventec, situated in Wiltshire, UK, manufacturer tailor-made programmable sensors for challenging environments, notably in top-tier motorsports, automotive, and military domains. The company provides a mechanical and electronic design consultancy, while the emphasis centers on crafting customized, low-quantity sensor solutions, enabling swift responses to time-sensitive projects. Reventec stands as a trusted ally to Formula 1 and America’s Cup teams, their sensors gaining worldwide acclaim. The Salisbury facility houses manufacturing, R&D, and design, ensuring seamless transitions from CAD to production. Reventec serves motorsport, defense, UAV, industrial automation, robotics, and automotive sectors with unmatched agility and expertise.
Toyo Electric Corporation, established in 1959 and headquartered in Akishima, Tokyo, is a manufacturer of transformers and development of power electronics equipment. The company offers a range of products, including optical wireless communication devices, elevator optical sensors, and power regulator units. It also produces optical application products such as sensors for elevators and space optical transfer units. Its product transmits 8-bit parallel data with a bidirectional data transmission device using near-infrared rays. Moreover, the company has achieved ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certification. It serves various industries such as industrial control, elevator, and electronic control devices.
Piher Sensing Systems, founded in Spain in 1950, is a manufacturer of position, speed, and current sensors based on Hall-effect or inductive technology. It offers a range of products, including absolute rotary and linear position sensors based on Hall-effect or inductive technology, current sensors, contactless speed and direction sensors for transmission and gear systems, and trimmer and control potentiometers, but custom versions with different shafts and customer-specific output curves can be delivered on request. The company is also certified according to automotive standard IATF 16949 and has introduced a quality-management system in accordance with ISO 9001.
Variohm, founded in 1977 and headquartered in Milton Keynes, UK, is a manufacturer of sensing and measurement solutions. Their product range comprises linear and rotary position sensors for accurate motion measurement in machinery, alongside inductive and capacitive transducers that convert mechanical motion into electrical signals, and also signal conditioners that amplify and filter signals from sensors and devices. The company holds several certifications including ISO 9001:2015 and ATEX compliance certification.
Metrol Co.,Ltd. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of precision mechanical sensors and switches for industrial applications that was established in 1976 in Tokyo, Japan. The company produces various mechanical switches and sensors including touch probe contact sensors, tool setters, and precision positioning touch switches. These products have applications in line automation, robotics, and plant safety systems. The company also offers testing, and customization, and certification services for clients with unique project specifications.
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Murata Manufacturing) was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Nagaokakyo, Japan. Murata Manufacturing designs, manufactures, and sells ceramic-based passive electronic components and solutions globally. The company operates through components, modules, and others segments, serving communications, mobility, industrial, healthcare, and personal electronics customers. They company's product offerings include noise suppression products, quartz devices,RFID devices, phase shifters, and wireless connectivity platforms. Services such as webinars and video library are also available for existing and potential customers alike.
Active Sensors, founded in the United Kingdom in 1993, is a manufacturer of advanced position-sensing solutions for motion control and measurement systems. The company designs and manufactures advanced position-sensing solutions for motion control and measurement systems, including linear and rotary position sensors, LVDTs, tilt sensors, and more. Its products are designed to operate in severe vibration and high cyclic conditions and are constructed with high-grade materials that undergo rigorous environmental testing.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
IDM Instruments., founded in Hallam, Victoria Australia in 1972, is a manufacturer and supplier of testing and measuring instruments, and CNC machining. The company's instruments and equipment are used to test different aspects required for quality control and cost reduction of a final product, concerning recognized industry standards. In addition to its testing equipment, the company also provides in-house CNC fabrication and machining. The company also offers services such as CAD design & drafting and special instrument design.
Variohm Eurosensor Ltd was established in 1974 and is based in Towcester, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom as a manufacturer and supplier of sensor solutions. The product portfolio includes rotary position sensors, linear position sensors, pressure sensors, load cells, temperature sensors, encoders, inclinometers, and motorsports sensors, among others. The sensors and accessories offered by the company are vital components in measurement and feedback systems, enabling accurate and dependable sensing. The products are used in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, industrial, medical, and motorsport.
Fuji Electric Equipment Control was established in 2008 in Saitama-ken, Japan is a manufacturer of power distribution and control equipment. The company boasts an extensive and diversified product portfolio including motor controls, MV distributors, energy control equipment, LV distributors, and industrial control relays. These products find applications in construction as magnetic contactors, automotive as manual motor starters, home appliances as air circuit breakers, health care devices as sensors and switches, and in environmental management for quality assurance and protection of high-voltage electric power and management of low-voltage consumption rate.
Tipteh d.o.o is located in Ljubljana, Slovenia and has been a distributor of automated electromechanical and electronic components since 1996. The company has expanded to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and North Macedonia and worked with 11000 manufacturers in the last 27 years. The company's product portfolio includes sensors, switch gear, motor drives, IoT devices and other automation devices. Some services offered include equipment installation, short delivery time and technical support.
Zygo Corporation, founded in 1970 and headquartered in Middlefield, Connecticut, is a manufacturer of optical metrology systems and optical components and assemblies. The company manufactures products in several categories, including laser interferometers, 3D optical profilers, and optical components. It serves several industries, including medical, automotive, and consumer electronics, and also provides customizable metrology software to help customers measure. The company holds 750 patents, and in 2014, it became part of the Ultra Precision Technologies division of AMETEK Inc. It is ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified and sells its products under brand names such as Navitar, Special Optics, and Pixelink.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spectra Symbol |
6.5%
|
| 2 | Temposonics, LLC |
6.5%
|
| 3 | Sensor Solutions |
6.5%
|
| 4 | Tipteh d.o.o. |
5.8%
|
| 5 | Sentech, Inc |
5.1%
|
| 6 | Celera Motion |
5.1%
|
| 7 | Piher Sensors & Controls S.A. |
4.3%
|
| 8 | Position Sensors Ltd |
4.3%
|
| 9 | Variohm |
4.3%
|
| 10 | Zygo Corporation |
4.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the positioning sensor page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
8 | 40.0% |
|
Japan
|
4 | 20.0% |
|
United Kingdom
|
4 | 20.0% |
|
Italy
|
2 | 10.0% |
|
Spain
|
1 | 5.0% |
|
Australia
|
1 | 5.0% |
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