Sensing When Nature Calls

Sensors are all around us, helping in ways and places we least expect. Here, a motion sensor provides a more sanitary way to flush the toilet in public restrooms. The way these sensors work is that a person first “arms” the sensor when they are in front of the toilet or urinal. Only when the person is done and walks away does the toilet actually flush. A cleaver 20th century add-on to something very very old.