Sensor of the week(35): Fill grade
- Daan te Nuijl
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
Fill grade for waste and hygiene management
A fill grade sensor is a smart monitoring device designed to measure the level of materials in containers, bins, and dispensers. Instead of relying on manual checks, walking or driving around to see if bins are full, these sensors provide real-time insights into fill levels, saving time, labor, and resources. They can be applied across a wide range of scenarios, from tracking soap or paper towel levels in dispensers to monitoring piles of inventory such as linen in hospitals. Fill grade sensors can even measure the height of liquids in containers, ensuring supplies never run unexpectedly low. By automating these routine checks, organizations can improve efficiency, reduce waste, and maintain consistent service quality.
From a technology perspective, fill grade sensors often rely on advanced measurement methods such as ultrasonic waves, infrared beams, or weight-based detection to determine the exact level of solids or liquids in a container. These sensors can transmit data wirelessly to a central platform, where users can track usage trends, receive low-level alerts, and even forecast replenishment needs. With low power consumption and robust designs, they can operate reliably in diverse environments—from clean hospital wards to outdoor waste collection bins.
The business advantages of adopting fill grade sensors are significant. By eliminating unnecessary manual inspections, companies save both time and labor costs, while also reducing the risk of supply shortages that could disrupt operations. More accurate monitoring also helps optimize replenishment schedules, cutting down on wasted trips and overstocking. For organizations focused on sustainability, the technology contributes to reduced fuel use, lower carbon emissions, and less material waste. Ultimately, fill grade sensors enhance operational efficiency, improve service quality, and support smarter resource management.
What this fill grade sensor can do:
Waste level in a rubbish bin or waste container
Soap level in a dispenser
Height of a pile of linen in a storage location
Fill level of any container
Main sensor characteristics Haltian Beam
Long Range & Precision: The 4 m maximum range paired with ±25 mm accuracy makes BEAM well-suited for applications such as monitoring dispenser levels, trash bins, inventory stacks, or liquid heights.
Flexible Installation: The adjustable beam angle (ROI) allows the sensor to be tailored to various container shapes and sizes for optimal accuracy.
Low Maintenance: With a battery life of up to 5 years and use of standard AAA cells, it reduces maintenance frequency and avoids complex wiring setups.
Reliable IoT Network: Wirepas Mesh adds scalability and resilience to system deployments, while the BTLE link ensures compatibility with common IoT and gateway setups.
Lightweight & Easy to Integrate: At only 34 g, the BEAM sensor is simple to mount—even using adhesives—with minimal structural impact.
Regulatory Ready: Full certifications across key regions (EU, US, Canada, UK) ensure compliance and simplify deployment across global facilities.Specifications
Integrated in Alltrace IoT platform
Advantages
When the fill grade level reaches a certain value, automatically the Alltrace platform generates a task to empty an object or fill one.
