motion sensor

Detects nearby movement

A motion sensor is a device that detects movement in its surroundings, typically triggering a response like turning on lights, sounding an alarm, or activating a camera.

Motion sensors use various technologies—infrared, ultrasonic, or microwave—to register when something moves within range: The motion sensor turned on the porch light when I walked up.

Opposites
detection trigger mechanism

motion sensormanual control

Human-directed action

timer switch · push button · toggle switch · light switch · remote control

Family

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Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G