Emerging Sensor Technologies: Understanding Human Emotions and Signals

Sensor technologies are advancing and being developed to detect things from human facial expressions and mood, all the way down to electrical signals in the brain. IDTechEx’s portfolio of Sensors, Haptics & Displays Research Reports demonstrates the vast array of sensing technologies currently being developed and used across many different sectors.

Within the automotive sector, in-cabin sensing is made up of the driver monitoring system (DMS) and occupant monitoring system (OMS). The DMS is employed to detect the presence and alertness of the driver, such as with torque sensors on steering wheels for hands-on detection.

RGB-infrared cameras are widely used as of 2025 to assess gaze and track head motion in order to make sure the driver is paying attention to the road.

Time-of-flight (ToF) cameras and radar modules can be used in OMS for gesture control and occupancy detection, such as to ensure that no children are left behind when the vehicle stops. IDTechEx’s report, “In-Cabin Sensing 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, and Markets”, explores the DMS and OMS systems in greater detail, covering requirements and regulations surrounding the vehicle’s system.

Sensors for EV Battery Health Monitoring

Monitoring an electric vehicle battery’s state of health requires a combination of sensing technologies and improved software. IDTechEx’s report, “Advanced Battery Pack Sensors and Remote Monitoring 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets and Forecasts”, explores improvements in battery pack sensors in more detail.

Temperature, humidity, moisture, stress, pressure, and the presence of gas, are all variables that can be measured by sensors within a vehicle’s battery pack. Thermocouples and thermistors are two means of measuring temperature, while for gas detection, many solutions are entering the market, including chemi-resistors, thermal conductivity sensors and electrochemical sensors.

Pressure building within a battery can be detected by more traditional means, such as piezoelectric, piezoresistive, or capacitive sensors. All of these can help to ensure the vehicle remains safe, keeping passengers out of risk even in extreme circumstances through early warning of thermal runaway and battery degradation.

Consumer Wearables and Health Tracking

One of the primary roles of sensors is to convert input data into a readable measurement. Consumer devices are a hugely popular use of sensing technology. Wearable devices like smartwatches that can detect heart rate and step count, and bright rings for sleep and fertility tracking, are two examples of how discreet sensors can be, and how they have become a large part of personal health tracking.

IDTechEx’s report, “Wearable Sensors Market 2025-2035: Technologies, Trends, Players, Forecasts”, covers an extensive list of wearable devices that are making waves within the sector.

Quantum Technology and Increased Sensitivity

Quantum sensors offer a whole new level of sensitivity that can’t be achieved with ordinary sensors. Atomic clocks, quantum magnetic field sensors, quantum gravimeters, inertial quantum sensors, and single-photon detectors are some examples of quantum sensors explored in IDTechEx’s report, “Quantum Sensors Market 2026-2046: Technology, Trends, Players, Forecasts,” each serving unique purposes across various applications.

IDTechEx reports that fields such as aerospace and defence are likely to create demand for high-value sales for quantum sensors, such as for secure navigation, alongside quantum computing, and healthcare sectors for brain scanners.

Many developments are still being made within the quantum sensor space, but IDTechEx’s research showcases where there is the potential for growth and maturity over the next two decades.