[KenWittlief]

sometimes when the output is shorted the sensor still works. the led on the sensor will go on when it sees the retro-tape - so you could use it for demo purposed, but the output signal is dead so its no good for your bot.

PS - never throw any fried parts away - throw them on the dead pile, and at the end of the year glue them all together and make an award out of them for someone on your team.