Inductive Sensors
Non-contact position and presence detection for metallic targets, commonly used for end position, tooling and machine-state feedback.
Explore inductive sensors →ifm · Position & Machine Automation
Machine Automation & Position Sensors
Choose the sensing principle from the target, distance, environment, mounting and required process information—not from housing style alone. ifm covers non-contact position detection, distance measurement, cylinder feedback and adjacent motion-monitoring routes for machine automation.
Non-contact sensingIO-Link by familyPosition & distanceMachine automation
Technology routes
Sensing principle selection by target and machine condition
Position sensing is not one technology. Metallic targets, transparent objects, pneumatic cylinders and long-distance measurements require different physical principles.
Capacitive Sensors
Detect suitable non-metallic materials and media where capacitive sensing is appropriate; mounting and surrounding material must be reviewed.
Explore capacitive sensors →Photoelectric & Distance Sensors
Through-beam, retro-reflective, diffuse and background-suppression routes cover long ranges, small targets, error proofing and distance measurement.
Explore photoelectric sensing →Ultrasonic Sensors
Sound-based sensing is useful when colour, transparency or optical reflectivity makes photoelectric detection difficult.
Explore ultrasonic sensors →Cylinder Sensors
T-slot/C-slot and adapted cylinder sensing detects piston position through the non-magnetic cylinder wall; selected IO-Link versions add continuous position data.
Explore cylinder sensors →Speed Sensors & Encoders
Use speed sensors or encoders when the requirement is rotational speed, standstill, pulse/frequency or shaft-position feedback rather than simple object presence.
Explore speed sensing →Machine applications
Position and automation sensors in the system architecture
Start with what has to be detected and what can interfere with the measurement.
End-position feedback
Detect component, slide, fixture or tooling presence on automated equipment.
Conveyor detection
Presence, spacing, jam and object-position monitoring using optical, ultrasonic or inductive technologies.
Pneumatic cylinders
Detect piston end positions or, on suitable IO-Link models, continuous short-stroke position information.
Distance & error proofing
Verify component height, presence, orientation or distance using laser/PMD or other suitable optical routes.
Digital sensor layer
IO-Link adds values and diagnostics beyond a simple switch
Current ifm IO-Link position sensors span inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic, cylinder, photoelectric and distance sensing. Depending on the device, IO-Link can expose process values, parameterisation and diagnostic information while retaining standard sensor wiring.
Process valuesDistance or position values where the selected device supports them.
ParameterisationSet operating parameters digitally instead of relying only on mechanical adjustment.
Device informationSupport maintenance and replacement workflows with identifiable device data.
DiagnosticsUse device-specific status and event information where available.
Selection matrix
Match the target to the technology
Use this as a starting route; exact range and environmental limits remain model dependent.
| Requirement | Technology route | Why it fits | Primary check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal target at short range | Inductive | Wear-free non-contact switching | Metal type, sensing distance, mounting |
| Plastic / glass / suitable bulk media | Capacitive | Can detect non-metallic material | Dielectric behaviour, buildup, mounting |
| Longer range / small object / fast detection | Photoelectric | Wide range of optical principles | Target reflectivity, background, environment |
| Transparent / shiny / irregular target | Ultrasonic | Not dependent on colour or transparency | Blind zone, angle, air turbulence |
| Pneumatic piston position | Cylinder sensor | Detects piston magnet through cylinder wall | Slot profile, stroke, mounting adapter |
| Rotation / standstill / speed | Speed / encoder | Measures motion rather than presence | RPM/frequency, target or shaft interface |
Engineering criteria
Sensor selection criteria
The sensing principle is determined by the actual machine geometry and environment.
TargetMaterial, colour, transparency, shape and size.
DistanceNominal detection distance and required tolerance.
MountingFlush/non-flush, slot type, available space and alignment.
EnvironmentDust, moisture, washdown, vibration, ambient light or turbulence.
OutputPNP/NPN, analogue, pulse/frequency or IO-Link.
Machine speedRequired switching frequency or response time.