Progress of smart sensor and smart sensor networks

Rapid development of industrial applications imposes more challenges on traditional sensors that only provide raw signal. As a trend, smart sensor and smart sensor network sensors are getting more attention in industrial areas for the values they can bring into the system. One way or another, sensor data will ultimately be used for control purpose. Smart sensor and smart sensor networks will go beyond raw signal and/or data, and provide certain level of information and/or knowledge, which can significantly improve the overall control system performance and reduce reliability. This paper gives a brief introduction on smart sensor and smart sensor networks and their progresses. Some issues observed are also highlighted. By raising people's attention and interests, authors believe that researchers/developers from both academic and industrial societies can and should work together to address those issues and promote the development of smart sensor and smart sensor networks.