Wireless gas sensors are seeing an increased level of adoption as interconnectivity among devices grows thanks to the internet of things (IoT), according to new research from Frost & Sullivan.

The sensors — installed in smartphones and designed to support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near-field communication (NFC) and other wireless connections — are in demand because of their superior portability and low power requirements that benefit industrial applications.

Industrial IoT segments such as critical and hard-to-reach areas in mining and oil and gas are using wireless gas sensors. Frost & Sullivan said with improvements to battery life, ruggedness, form factor and standardization, wireless gas sensors will find even greater adoption and revenue-generation potential.

"Wireless gas detectors reduce initial implementation costs and save on maintenance through better asset allocation, workforce management, faster resources workflow, and improved safety, giving them a significant competitive edge," said Nandini Bhattacharya, industry manager of the industrial team at Frost & Sullivan. "They aid real-time and easy data transfer and communication on plant floors, which allows plant staff to be more mobile and flexible when performing operations. Importantly, these detectors monitor both personnel as well as machine health."

The consulting firm said that fatal accidents in industries due to gas leakages have created a need for safety devices such as gas sensors and detectors as well as the enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations by government bodies worldwide.

Frost & Sullivan recommend that vendors generate additional revenue streams from wireless gas sensors by focusing on wearable sensors and integrating them into badges or small accessories; combining the gas sensors with other smart solutions; enabling real-time visibility, two-way communications, automated notifications and predictive maintenance of devices; and partnering with cross-industry vendors to further innovate the sensors into devices.

Learn more about Frost & Sullivan’s wireless gas sensor research with its Global Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market, Forecast to 2025.