Focus group High Tech Sensoring in the Northern Netherlands: innovation and cooperation

The Northern Netherlands is increasingly developing as a hotspot for high-tech sensor technology. Companies and knowledge institutions in the region are active in developing and applying sensors in the electromagnetic domain - from IR, SWIR and UV to radio and X-ray technology - as well as multi-sensor systems, such as the well-known LOFAR antenna. This is done, among others, through the ICD Focus Group High Tech Sensoring.

In addition, knowledge institutions are strengthening this innovative ecosystem. For example, several professors and departments are active and there are even two professorships that focus specifically on sensor technology and data science:

• NHL Stenden: lectureship Vision & Data Science
• Hanze University: lectorate of sensor technology

Together, this forms a fast-growing cluster of sensor technology in the northern Netherlands.

Inspiring presentations during focus group meeting

That this focus group is alive and well was evident on Monday, September 22 in Drachten: the hall was completely full. The participants were given two inspiring presentations that highlighted different levels on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ladder:

• Prof. Maria Loi (BACK, Zernike Institute of Advanced Materials) presented her research on the application of quantum dot coatings on SWIR detectors. With a convincing proof-of-principle, she showed how these new materials significantly improve the performance of detectors.
• Theun Prins (YourPartner) brought a real-life example from the marketplace. He told about the development of the BEEREYE, an innovative sensor that uses radar technology to measure the contents of beer tanks - even through foil. Breweries and logistics partners used to do this visually or ‘at a guess. This is now no longer necessary, as this technology ensures reliable measurements and prevents unnecessary trips by beer trucks. Thanks to cooperation within the network (3D printing, electronics and radar knowledge), this sensor was successfully developed and is now being introduced to the market.

Next meeting: Nov. 3 at Sentron

The next Focus Group High Tech Sensoring will take place on Nov. 3 at Sentron in Leek. This group is open to developers and users of sensors and cameras. The focus group is being pulled by Exosens (Roden) and ITS High Tech (Groningen).