An acoustic sensor is a device that detects sound waves and converts them into electrical signals. These sensors can pick up various sounds, such as voices, machinery noise, or environmental sounds, making them useful in many applications. For example, they are often used in smart home systems to recognize commands or in industrial settings to monitor equipment performance. These sensors work by using microphones or piezoelectric materials that respond to vibrations in the air. Once the sound is captured, the sensor processes the information, allowing it to identify specific sounds or measure sound levels. This technology is essential in fields like healthcare, security, and environmental monitoring.