The Sensor Technology Opportunity Engine provides profiles of innovations related to AI-driven multimodal sensor fusion platforms enabling autonomous perimeter security and threat detection; AI-enabled portable hyperspectral imaging platforms for real-time field inspection and material analysis; ultra-low-noise scientific CMOS sensors for high-precision astronomy and physical science imaging; fiber-optic linear heat detection technology for special-hazard fire protection and early event detection; battery-free BLE sensing technology for real-time asset tracking and condition monitoring; digital LiDAR platforms enabling L3+ autonomous driving with enhanced perception capabilities; anti-coating pH sensing technology for reliable industrial process monitoring in harsh environments; Si PIN photodiode technology for high-speed YAG laser detection and optical sensing applications; and ultralow-power image sensor technology enabling always-on vision for edge AI applications.

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.