Sensors embedded in pieces of equipment are also used to detect whether they have been used at all, or at the proper time.

Already huge amounts of data are being generated by smartphones, tablets and sensors embedded in cars and buildings.

Sensors embedded in everyday objects are enabling everything from cars to clothing to interact with other devices through the internet.

The device consists of a pair of sensors embedded in the curb that use a series of infrared beams to monitor vehicles at wheel height.

Inductive sensors embedded in the road surface can determine the gaps between vehicles, to provide basic information on the presence of a vehicle.