Several fire departments in Oregon are piloting this baseball-sized "metal fireball" created by Intel Labs. When thrown into a burning building, its sensors can detect temperature, noxious gases or dangerous chemicals before firefighters enter.

Several fire departments in Oregon are piloting this baseball-sized "metal fireball" created by Intel Labs. When thrown into a burning building, its sensors can detect temperature, noxious gases or dangerous chemicals before firefighters enter.

Several fire departments in Oregon are piloting this baseball-sized "metal fireball" created by Intel Labs. When thrown into a burning building, its sensors can detect temperature, noxious gases or dangerous chemicals before firefighters enter.

Micro Electro-Mechanical System sensors include accelerometers to create portrait or landscape views on display screens, gyroscopes, ambient light sensors and magnetometers to help with GPS; proximity sensors to recognize when you are talking on the phone and turn off your touchpad; and touch interface sensors for scrolling and opening apps.

Researchers in India are working on affordable ways to transform mobile devices into sensing instruments. A prototype tablet using $2 sensor cards can measure pulse, weight, blood glucose and alcohol levels and home water quality.