Page 34 - Microelectronics and Semiconductor Materials at TU Dresden

Smart Sensors in Chemical and Process Engineering

Sensors as key elements of microelectronics are being
increasingly used in specialist areas, for example in
chemical and process engineering. They provide real-
time data from the ongoing process, thus significantly
contributing to the intelligent optimization of a wide
variety of processes.

The SmartLab Systems research group at the Chair of
Bioprocess Engineering (of the Institute of Natural
Materials Technology) at TU Dresden is working on
issues related to Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things
and Big Data in the laboratory environment, as well as
biotechnology in general. The researchers are exploring
the next generation of autonomous mobile sensor
systems. A shining example is Sens-o-Spheres:
This spherical, miniaturized sensor system is only the
size of a pea and can move freely in liquids, ensuring
consistent measurements. Sens-o-Spheres are the
world’s smallest fully autonomous microsensors for
measuring temperature and pH. In the future, other
parameters such as oxygen or Co2 content will be
measured. Right: Sens-o-Sphere measuring device no larger than a pea. Free
flowing online sensor with a diameter of less than 8mm for
measuring temperature in fluids / Image: TUD_BVT/Lenk
In 2022, the start-up amensio in Dresden was success-
ful in bringing this product to large-scale market maturity.

CONTACT

Dr. Felix Lenk
Head of SmartLab-Systems //
TU Dresden

✉ felix.lenk@tu-dresden.de
tud.de/ing/maschinenwesen/int/das-institut/
bioverfahrenstechnik-biotechnologie

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