Growth Opportunities in FMCW LiDAR Sensors, 4D Image Sensors, 4D RADAR, Thermal Image Sensors, Position Sensors, Quantum Sensors and Distributed Sensors

The Sensor Technology Opportunity Engine provides profiles of innovations related to ultra-long-range 4D FMCW LiDAR enabling motion-aware perception for autonomous systems; terahertz-based 4D imaging sensor for high-resolution, all-weather automotive perception; ultra-long-range 4D imaging radar with AI-enabled edge perception for high-speed autonomous driving; thermal imaging technology for surveillance and target acquisition; linear position sensing technology for precision displacement measurement; capacitance-based level sensing technology for bulk solid inventory monitoring; optical power and wavelength measurement technology for photonic system characterization; quantum diamond magnetometry technology for ultra-sensitive magnetic field detection; and high-sensitivity PPG sensor for wearable vital-sign monitoring.

Sensor Technology Opportunity Engine (TOE) captures global sensor-related innovations and developments on a monthly basis. Innovations are directed toward developing smart and intelligent sensors with functionalities beyond sensing. Research focus areas include low power sensors (energy harvesting), industrial automation sensors (M2M, vision sensor), ubiquitous sensor (WSN, sensor fusion), smart sensors (wearables, quantified self), high sensitivity and smaller size (MEMS, nanosensors), and improved security (CBRNE, terahertz). The need for low power, smaller, lighter sensors with enhanced performance attributes and minimal false alarms is driving innovations in the sensors space.

The Sensors and Instrumentation cluster covers innovations pertaining to technologies such as wireless sensors and networks, energy harvesting, haptics and touch, MEMS and nanosensors, Terahertz, ubiquitous/smart sensors, CBRNE, quantified-self, sensor fusion, M2M communications, and drones.