However, generic concept of an intelligent sensor can be described according to Schodel [4]: ‘It is common to call a sensor intelligent, if just a microprocessor device is assembled at the location of the sensor transducer, to implement filtering and other simple pre-processing tasks at the location of the sensor’.
In addition to the previous concept, Brignell [5] describes intelligent sensor that ‘modifies its internal behaviour to optimise its ability to collect data from the physical world and communicate them in a responsive manner to a host system’.
This concept is similar to the concept given by Chita [6]. The ultimate intention of developing intelligent sensors is to imitate human abilities such as multiple functions for sensing objects simultaneously, learning with adapting capabilities and decision making [7]. The development of intelligent sensors rests on advances in hardware (i.e. measurement technology) and advances in software (i.e. processing technology).
Advancing in microelectronic, microcomputer and manufacturing technologies enables an integration of sensing elements and signal processing elements embedded into a single chip found for example in Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS).
For multiple measurements, Nagel [8] introduced the concept of ‘cluster’; the integral of several different sensing elements uses common computing and communicating capabilities and shares a power supply to imitate the human abilities.
Continuous improvement in MEMS technology can ease this implementation.
The use of such sensors is very promising in manufacturing as there is a clear trend towards modularity of future holistic intelligent Computer Numerically Controlled Machines (CNC), PLCs and Robots based on distributed control design which allows flexible control configuration and adaptation of systems.