If remote sensing is using sensors that more around a system, at a distance, and independent of that system (is it?), the proximal sensing is the use of fixed sensors that are in or next to or even built into the system they are monitoring.
CLEVER EXAMPLES
MACHINERY
For monitoring a PTO (power take off) shafts: Walterscheid Connected Service Counter. A retrofittable sensor for recording operating hours for all agricultural machines driven by PTO shafts. Install, connect to the app, montior, and (according to the marketing) save on maintance costs.
SOILS
For monitoring soil microbial community: Fa Bio SporSenZ.