SENSE.nano has unveiled the winners of its third annual seed funding initiative, targeting groundbreaking developments in sensor technologies for augmented and virtual realities (AR/VR) alongside cutting-edge manufacturing systems powered by artificial intelligence.
As a premier innovation hub operated under MIT.nano, SENSE.nano witnessed overwhelming response to its 2019 funding call, resulting in exceptional competition among applicants. A distinguished panel comprising industry pioneers and academic experts meticulously evaluated each proposal, with two exceptional projects ultimately securing $75,000 each to advance research in molecular movement detection and machinery health monitoring.
"SENSE.nano remains committed to showcasing the extensive scope and profound impact of sensing research throughout MIT," notes Brian Anthony, co-leader of SENSE.nano, associate director of MIT.nano, and principal research scientist in Mechanical Engineering. "As we expand SENSE.nano's research foundation and forge new partnerships, it's inspiring to witness the remarkable volume of critical research—in sensors, sensor systems, and sensor science and engineering—flourishing within the Institute."
The distinguished projects receiving funding include:
P. Donald Keathley and Karl Berggren: Advanced Nanostructured Optical-Field Samplers for Visible to Near-Infrared Time-Domain Spectroscopy
Research Scientist Phillip "Donnie" Keathley and Professor Karl Berggren from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are pioneering a field-sampling methodology leveraging nanoscale structures and light waves to detect molecular vibrational activity. Keathley, a member of Berggren's quantum nanostructures and nanofabrication group within the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE), is collaborating on developing an integrated nanoantenna device capable of sampling weak sub-femtojoule-level electronic fields across near-infrared and visible spectrums.
Existing technologies for sampling these optical energy spectra demand bulky equipment—no compact device currently exists with sufficient sensitivity to detect these low-energy signals. Keathley and Berggren's innovative approach utilizes plasmonic nanoantennas for measuring low-energy pulses. This breakthrough technology could transform medical diagnostics and food safety protocols by revolutionizing precise chemical and biochemical detection and identification.
Jeehwan Kim: AI-Enhanced Interactive Manufacturing Through Simultaneous Sensing and Recognition
Jeehwan Kim, associate professor with dual appointments in mechanical engineering and materials science and engineering, is developing an ultra-sensitive sensor system incorporating neuromorphic chips for industrial monitoring to enhance advanced manufacturing through real-time machine surveillance. Equipment failures significantly impact productivity and operational costs. Sensors capable of instantaneously processing data to deliver real-time insights would prove invaluable for preventive maintenance in industrial settings.
Kim's research group, also affiliated with RLE, focuses on creating single-crystalline gallium nitride sensors that, when integrated with AI chips, will establish feedback mechanisms with manufacturing equipment. The AI hardware will identify failure patterns, establishing an intelligent manufacturing ecosystem capable of predicting and preventing malfunctions. These sensors will demonstrate sufficient sensitivity to function effectively in noisy factory environments, compact enough for dense array configurations, and energy-efficient for deployment across numerous manufacturing machines.
SENSE.nano's mission centers on promoting the advancement and implementation of innovative sensors, sensing systems, and sensing solutions to provide unprecedented insights into our world's condition. Two additional seed grant funding opportunities will be announced later this year in collaboration with the Immersion Lab NCSOFT partnership and subsequently with the SENSE.nano 2020 symposium.
Beyond seed grants and the annual conference, SENSE.nano recently introduced Talk SENSE—a monthly forum designed for MIT students to deepen their engagement with these subjects and connect with professionals specializing in sensing technologies.
