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Sensors & Vision

What Are Inductive and Capacitive Sensors?

The sensing principle of the two common proximity sensors, which materials each detects, and selection criteria.

4 min readUpdated: 2026-07-05

An inductive sensor detects only metals via disturbance of its magnetic field. A capacitive sensor detects almost any material (liquid, granule, plastic) including metal via capacitance change.

Inductive
Metal only, contactless, robust
Capacitive
Any material, level sensing
Capacitive sensors can be affected by moisture and contamination; sensitivity adjustment (potentiometer/teach) is needed per environment.

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