INDUSTRY News


Korean researchers push the limits of gas sensing


Researchers from the Incheon National University in Korea are developing a novel approach to organic-inorganic hybrid gas sensors for extended durability, selectivity and sensitivity. Workers in industrial environments are often exposed to


dangerous gases, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), of which


levels must be constantly monitored. Current gas sensors are bulky, expensive and not fast enough. The university’s hybrid organic-inorganic gas sensor uses conductive organic polymers and perovskite nanocrystals, which enhances gas sensing whilst maintaining sensing speed. The researchers modifi ed the surface of the perovskite nanocrystals with zwitterionic polymer ligands, which when hydrated greatly improve the affi nity of the sensor for NO2


gas molecules, enabling better absorption.


The design outperformed the chemical sensitivity of conventional sensors and proved highly resistant to oxidation, thanks to the protective action of the nanocrystals. According to the team’s lead, Professor Yeong Don Park, these sensors can be used in many applications: “Beyond specifi c settings like industrial sites, OSC gas sensors could enable individuals to readily access information about air pollution levels through devices like smartwatches. Moreover, these sensors have the potential to advance diagnostic technology by facilitating early detection of medical conditions. They can also be used in food safety and chemical substance monitoring.”


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Scottish university develops robot guide dog for the partially sighted


The blind or partially-sighted will soon be supported by a robot guide dog, thanks to the eff orts of scientists of the University of Glasgow, UK. The team has partnered with industry and two leading charities to develop RoboGuide, an AI-powered four- legged robot, which uses sensors to accurately map and assess its surroundings. Software developed by the team enable it to optimise routes to avoid obstacles. “One signifi cant drawback of many current four-legged, two- legged and wheeled robots is that the technology that allows them to fi nd their way around can limit their usefulness as assistants for the visually impaired. Robots which use GPS to navigate, for example, perform well outdoors but often struggle in indoor settings, where signal coverage can weaken. Others, which use cameras to ‘see’, are limited by line of sight, which makes it harder for them to safely guide people around objects and bends,” said Dr Olaoluwa Popoola of the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, the project’s principal investigator. RoboGuide also incorporates large language model technology, allowing it to understand speech from users and provide verbal responses.


“Our aim is to develop a complete system that can be adapted for use with robots of all shapes and sizes to help blind and


6 March 2024 | Automation


partially-sighted people in a wide range of indoor situations,” said Dr Wasim Ahmad, of the James Watt School of Engineering, and the co-investigator on the project. The nine-month


research project is funded by the Engineering


RoboGuide


and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) through the Impact Acceleration Account programme. It was tested in cooperation with the Forth Valley Sensory Centre (FVSC) Trust (FVSC) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland. A commercial RoboGuide is expected within years, to help support two million people in the UK and some 2.2 billion people around the world who live with sight loss.


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