electronic faucet sensor

Hello, im working on an electronic faucet project and was wondering if anyone knew what types of sensors are used. I think it must be a PIR sensor type but not sure.
Any ideas?

Can be either a PIR, an active IR (with transmitter), or proximity (capacitive) sensor.

Whats the common type used? Any specific manufacturer part numbers?

I think you can only buy complete systems. The sensor is just an IR transmitter and receiver.. or electronic circuit to measure capacitance.
Once you get the sensor working, all you need is a timer and an elelctronic valve.
**broken link removed**

This type of IR sensor is popular in robotics, but maybe it is a little too "fancy" for simple presence detection: **broken link removed**

misterT said:

...
This type of IR sensor is popular in robotics, but maybe it is a little too "fancy" for simple presence detection: ...

Click to expand...

No, that's a perfect sensor for the job.

It is used commercially for faucet control and hand dryer control.