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Sensors and Robotics

262 results

Sensors, motors and drivers for your robotics and automation projects: temperature, distance, motion, servomotors, stepper motors and control boards.

Child categories

262 results

262 results

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Choosing a sensor or an actuator for your project

A robotics project is built from three pieces: measurement, control and movement. On the measurement side, start with the quantity you want to read and the accuracy you need. For temperature and humidity, the DHT11 is enough for a demonstration, the DHT22 gives better resolution, the waterproof DS18B20 suits a liquid or an outdoor setup, and a MAX6675 module with a type K thermocouple reaches much higher temperatures. For distance, the ultrasonic HC-SR04 measures what is in front of it in centimeters, while an infrared FC-51 only detects a nearby presence. For motion and orientation, the MPU6050 combines an accelerometer and a gyroscope, and Hall effect sensors (A3144, SS41F, SS49E) are used to count rotations or detect a magnet.

On the movement side, check three things before buying: the supply voltage, the current the motor draws, and the matching driver.

  • Servomotors (SG90, MG90S): limited angle, direct PWM control, ideal for an arm or a steering mechanism.
  • DC motors and gear motors (N20, JA12): an L298N or a TB6612FNG for small currents, a BTS7960 when more amps are needed.
  • NEMA17 stepper motors: precise positioning, with an A4988 or an EasyDriver; the ULN2003 remains reserved for small unipolar motors.

Browse sensors, motors and actuators or robotics bases. To adapt a sensor output to a board's 3.3 V input, the voltage divider tool does the calculation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between DHT11 and DHT22?

Both measure temperature and humidity on a single data pin. The DHT22 covers a wider range and gives better accuracy, while the DHT11 is slower and more approximate, which remains acceptable for a learning project.

Which sensor should be used to measure a rotation speed?

Two families work well: a Hall effect sensor such as the A3144 paired with a magnet on the shaft, or an optical fork encoder such as the ITR9608 or TCST2103 with a slotted disc. The Hall sensor copes better with dust and oil, the optical one requires a clean environment.

Is a driver needed to run a motor with Arduino?

Yes for DC and stepper motors: a microcontroller pin does not supply the necessary current and the motor sends back voltage spikes. An L298N, a TB6612FNG or an A4988 depending on the motor type isolates the board and manages the direction of rotation. A servomotor, on the other hand, connects directly to a PWM output with a separate power supply.

SG90 or MG90S, which one to choose?

The MG90S uses metal gears and withstands repeated stress and shocks better. The SG90, with plastic gears, is lighter and suits models and light loads.

Why do prices vary so much from one sensor to another?

Accuracy, measurement range, the presence of a waterproof housing and the brand explain the difference. A calibrated industrial sensor and a learning module are not intended for the same use.