Sensors
Sensor controls prosthesis with nerve signals
The Stuttgart-based quantum technology company Q.ant has developed a magnetic field sensor that can measure the finest electrical currents via their magnetic field more easily and precisely than ever before.
This also enables native and intuitive access to biosignals for the first time. For example, the miniature sensor, which is suitable for everyday use, can control prostheses via muscle signals. At the Hannover Messe, Q.ant showed what else it can do and which industrial applications can benefit from it.
"Quantum sensor technology is a game changer for the industry. There are numerous areas of application for our sensor, be it in medical technology, electronics or the automotive industry," announced Dr. Michael Förtsch, CEO of Q.ant. "The applications range from the quality assurance of hard disks to the identification of fault currents in power chips or batteries; even machines and devices should be able to be controlled by thought at some point."
The magnetic field sensor is unique with its extremely high sensitivity despite the compact size of a spectacle case. It makes it possible to measure the smallest magnetic fields in the picotesla range, which corresponds to one millionth of the earth's magnetic field - under everyday conditions. Other technical solutions only achieve a comparable sensitivity range in special laboratory environments.
The Q.ant sensor, on the other hand, is sensitive enough to detect human muscle signals in nerve tracts. The company is demonstrating this at the Hannover Messe: A set-up with a hand prosthesis shows how the magnetic field sensor recognizes the signals from human muscles and transmits them to the prosthesis, which then closes into a fist within milliseconds.
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