A sensor controller is disclosed which transmits large-capacity data such as waveform data and image data within a short time (in rapid cycles, for example) and makes possible various collaborative operations using the transmitted data. A control unit includes a programmable logic circuit and a CPU to control the operation of the sensor controller. A unit connector can be used to connect other sensor controllers. An inter-unit path constitutes a signal transmission path between the control unit and the unit connector and includes a sensing data transmission path between the programmable logic circuit and the unit connector. In the case where another sensor controller is connected to the unit connector, the sensing data can be transmitted between the programmable logic circuit of the local sensor controller and the programmable logic circuit of the particular another sensor controller.