Which sensor type detects when an object is near without touching it?

• A. To detect light levels
• B. To measure ambient temperature
• C. To track the robot's position
• D. To detect touch and force applied to the robot

Answer: (D)

Proximity sensing is about finding out that something is nearby without making physical contact. A proximity sensor emits a signal (like infrared, ultrasound, or a capacitive field) and detects a change when an object enters its range. This lets a robot sense obstacles or parts without touching them and respond accordingly.

The other options involve sensing light levels, ambient temperature, the robot’s own position, or touch and force—each of those measures something different and requires contact or a different kind of signal, not simply “an object is near.”