Another common name for a photoelectric sensor is a photo eye. Both terms refer to the same type of device that detects the presence, absence, or distance of an object using a beam of light — either visible or infrared. In industrial automation, people often say “photo eye” because it describes how the sensor “sees” objects through light just like an electronic eye.
A photo eye works by emitting a light beam from a transmitter and receiving it through a receiver. When an object passes through or reflects the beam, the sensor detects the change in light and sends an electrical signal to control a machine or process. This non-contact detection method makes photoelectric sensors extremely useful for counting, positioning, and object detection tasks in packaging, material handling, and manufacturing systems.
An example of a reliable and widely used photo eye is the Omron Photo Eye. It is designed for accurate detection even in challenging industrial environments where dust, vibration, or variable lighting conditions exist. Omron’s photoelectric sensors come in different types — such as through-beam, retroreflective, and diffuse reflective — each suited for specific sensing distances and target materials.
In simple terms, a photo eye and a photoelectric sensor are the same device. The term “photo eye” is often used by technicians and engineers in factories because it’s short, descriptive, and easy to remember. So, whenever someone mentions an Omron Photo Eye, they are referring to a high-performance photoelectric sensor that uses light to detect objects accurately and reliably in automation systems.