A sensor system includes a first electrode serving as a primary electrode with a controller electrically and physically coupled to the first electrode. Computer executable instructions execute software commands on the controller causing the controller to apply a voltage to the first electrode to generate an electric field around the first electrode. A second electrode has at least a portion of the second electrode being disposed within the electrical field generated by the first electrode, and the second electrode operates while being physically decoupled from the controller. The electrical field generated by the first electrode induces a corresponding charge on the second electrode, and proximity of a conductive material on or near the first or second electrode alters the electrical signal received back by the controller from the first electrode to allow for sensing the conductive material.