In the project with the catchy name “InSeKT” (Development of Intelligent Sensor Edge Technologies), the Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, the Leibniz Institute for Innovative Microelectronics (IHP) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS are working together on new hardware, software and sensor solutions to make better use of artificial intelligence (AI) at the edges of IT networks. AIs in particular need to process large amounts of data as quickly as possible. The aim of the project is to enable complex calculations directly at the point of origin of the data, for example directly at the sensor itself.
Data processing using AI is currently often carried out via central cloud computing solutions. The data is calculated on central servers, which means that large amounts of data are transmitted over long distances. This can repeatedly lead to data leaks and thus to opportunities for unauthorized third parties to attack. Decentralized data processing not only improves data protection, but also enables real-time capability of the systems, as data transmissions over long distances are avoided.
The project addresses the key factors for market acceptance: developing technologies for system integration, reducing costs, increasing reliability and increasing the degree of miniaturization. It is being led by an interdisciplinary team from various institutions and specialist disciplines.
Advanced sensor technology to solve material and integration problems
The Cottbus-based “Integrated Silicon Systems” branch of the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is working on the functional expansion and integration of existing MEMS sensors for edge AI applications. Signal processing is integrated directly into the sensor and data can be collected directly where it is generated. The aim is to increase the adaptability of sensors to different application scenarios without having to replace the underlying hardware.
One of the first key areas of development at Fraunhofer IPMS is gas analysis using ion mobility spectrometers (IMS). An IMS makes it possible to detect ionizable analyte substances directly in the air, even at very low concentrations. Existing approaches lack sufficient miniaturization. A first IMS demonstrator, which is based on a FAIMS approach (field asymmetric-waveform ion mobility spectrometry), has flexible electrode spacing, which makes it possible to overcome this hurdle.
In addition, the goal of a data-based evaluation of photodetectors for the near-infrared wavelength range is being pursued. These are used, for example, in material analysis and recycling and even make it possible to analyze through packaging. In particular, the focus here is on improving an Al-TiN-Si Schottky detector component with cylindrical pyramidal structures for higher sensitivity and better scalability using cheaper materials.
A third area deals with the adapted use of capacitive micromechanical ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) for improved imaging. CMUTs are highly sensitive ultrasound receivers due to their size and capacitive operating principle. Signal evaluation close to the sensor enables faster imaging. “At a later stage, very precise analyses of hand movements can be made possible using an ultrasound signal based on bats, as well as the measurement of blood sugar using ultrasound,” explains Dr. Sebastian Meyer, head of the “Integrated Silicon Systems” department at Fraunhofer IPMS.
The TH Wildau and the Leibniz IHP will subsequently use the generated data to train edge AI systems for fast and precise data processing. The results of the project will enable further steps towards more intelligent and compact sensor systems.
About the project
The “InSeKT” project makes a significant contribution to the innovation strategy of the state of Brandenburg, “innoBB 25 plus”. The project addresses and links research, development and action fields of the optics/photonics, information and communication technology and healthcare clusters. Thematically, the project is assigned to the optics and photonics cluster. The aim is to create a future innovation with concrete application relevance and high economic efficiency through the various branches of research and development (photonics, microsystems technology, artificial intelligence).
The project is funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture (MWFK) as part of the StaF directive (strengthening transfer and innovation capability in the state of Brandenburg).
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Further links
👉 www.ipms.fraunhofer.de
Photo: Fraunhofer IPMS
