Market Data — Sensors in Household Appliances†

In Europe, the household industry produces millions of washing machines, dishwashers, cookers, refrigerators, home comfort appliances, small appliances, heating and climate control and security and safety-related devices. Here, the use of sensors and microsystem products has a long tradition regarding relatively simple devices, such as temperature sensors or level sensors. However, the rate of introduction of new and improved sensors in household appliances has now increased, and the use of modern sensors with intelligent control systems is a key for differentiation between different appliance products and companies. Therefore, some more general sensor application areas are described, and also specific sensors which have been developed in recent years. Additionally, an outlook is given for possible new products and features which may be introduced in the future.