PIR sensors detect infrared radiation emitted from warm objects like humans and animals. They contain a pyroelectric detector and lenses that focus infrared radiation onto the detector. When infrared radiation changes due to an object moving in its field of view, the detector outputs a signal. PIR sensors have three pins - power, ground, and an output pin that connects to a microcontroller. They are used to detect motion for applications like security lights, alarms, and more.