Temperature Sensor

A device that measures temperature or a temperature gradient.

Thermometers are widely used in industry to control and regulate processes, in the study of weather, in medicine, and scientific research. Some of the principles of the thermometer were known to Greek philosophers of two thousand years ago; by the 18th century, standardized scales allowed the readings of different thermometers inter-comparable. Today, smart thermostats can automatically learn when the house is likely to be occupied, and when it is likely to be empty. This allows it to automatically pre-heat or pre-cool the house, so that it's at a comfortable temperature when a resident arrives. If the residents' lifestyle changes, these smart thermostats will gradually adjust the schedule, maintaining energy savings and comfort. The Nest thermostat is a well known example.