A Fiber Optic Sensor is used to detect the presence, position, or movement of an object by transmitting and receiving light through optical fibers. It works on the principle of light transmission — when light travels through the fiber and gets reflected, absorbed, or interrupted by an object, the sensor detects that change and converts it into an electrical signal. This makes it highly useful in environments where precision, speed, and reliability are critical.
The main function of a Fiber Optic Sensor is to perform accurate detection in areas where traditional sensors may fail due to space limitations, high temperature, or electromagnetic interference. Since the sensing head is extremely small and the fiber cable can bend easily, it can be installed in tight or inaccessible spaces. It can detect very small objects, transparent materials, or targets moving at high speeds without physical contact. The control unit, which processes the light signal, stays away from the sensing area, protecting it from dust, vibration, or heat.
In industrial automation, Fiber Optic Sensors are used in applications such as packaging, electronics assembly, labeling, and robotics. For example, they can detect the presence of tiny components on a circuit board, verify labels on bottles, or count products moving along a conveyor. In environments like clean rooms or high-temperature zones, where other sensors might not work properly, fiber optic sensing remains stable and accurate.
Omron Fiber Optic Sensors are widely known for their precision and flexibility. They offer both digital and analog models that can sense the smallest light changes with high response speed. The fiber units are available in different shapes — through-beam, reflective, or coaxial — depending on the detection need. This variety allows engineers to select the right type for each application, whether it’s transparent object detection, color differentiation, or edge positioning.