I am planning on an automation project that will be using several different sensors including but not limited to: Temperature, Barometric Pressure, Air flow, Humidity, etc.

As I was talking with someone they mentioned that I should look into RS-485 as a means to connecting my sensors to my controller. Then ultimately to the PC.

After a quick search I gathered some information about RS-485 but now I am wondering if it's over kill or if it's even used now a days?

Couldn't I just use a microcontroller that has enough inputs and interface with the PC using USB?

Thoughts?