MAJLIS SIRIM INDUSTRI 2018

SENSORS are sophisticated devices that are able to detect, monitor and convert various physical parameters such as temperature, humidity, speed and pressure into signals that can be measured electrically and subsequently converted to be readable.

As such, they can be used to control certain parameters to enhance the energy efficiency of products and optimise processes.

With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), devices with sensors are able to communicate with each other. In fact, smart sensors are key in developing IoT applications, particularly in the manufacturing industry.

“In this context, sensors are instrumental in facilitating the modernisationandstreamliningofanalytics and connectivity in IoT applications,” said director of SIRIM‘s Industrial Centre of Innovation (IC-Innovation) in Sensors, Hamidah Sidek.

Through time, sensors are becoming smaller and more integrated. This has increased the versatility of the sensors and allowed designers to incorporate them across a wide range of applications.

Besides IoT, current trends also show sensors being used in smallscale complete sensing systems as well as power savvy or self-powered, printed ad flexible, biodegradable, low cost, wearable and self-healing technologies.

Among others, recent advances in sensor manufacturing have opened up new possibilities for the digital health ecosystem. Through the integration of sensors into accessories like garments, hats, wristbands, socks, shoes and eye glasses as well as devices like wristwatches, headphones and smartphones the resultant wearable technology can be used to achieve a range of health outcomes.

Sensors also allow us to control our surroundings such as in dimming and brightening lights or touch-sensitive elevator buttons.

With the proliferation of smart sensors, almost every aspect of the world can now be “smart“, from smart buildings to smart cities and smart farming, to name a few. However, Malaysia still has much to do in order to keep abreast with the demands and development of sensors, said Hamidah.

“Our industries still purchase sensor technologies from other countries, instead of producing their own. This could have a detrimental effect on the nation and our economy,” she said.

Hamidah cites several factors that include lack of knowledge and expertise, an inability to meet the competitive costs of sensors, and inadequate facilities for fabricating and testing the sensors.

“Malaysian industries should be prepared to venture into sensor technology since it has become a significant component in many applications, especially with the advent of IoT and Industry 4.0,” she said.

However, she agrees it would be huge investment for industries to venture into this area. This is where governmental support and incentives can play important parts in helping the industries grow.

Noting the rapid rise in demand for sensors, SIRIM decided to expand its existing capabilities to set up IC-Innovation in Sensors recently.

Previously, SIRIM, under its Industrial Biotechnology Research Centre (IBRC), developed a biosensor probe used for the detection of ammonium, chronic kidney disease and uric acid. This was followed by the Electronic Section developing a portable reader to detect and measure its parameters. At the same time, research was also being conducted in solid Long Range (LoRa) technology at its Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMREC).

This spurred SIRIM to consolidate all its activities into one centre by focusing on sensor. And hence the birth of IC-Innovation in Sensors. Led by Hamidah, the centre utilises sensor technology to develop products, services and related applications in biosensors, photonics and integrated sensing systems.

Currently, the IC-Innovation in Sensors is in the process of developing biosensor probes for dengue detection by using a microfluidic system, besides SSL, LoRA technology for aquaculture and agriculture, and IoT applications for street lighting and agriculture monitoring.

Other new growth areas identified include an intelligent sensor network to support the smart industry, infrastructure and track and trace solutions, and smart packaging and labelling for product safety and security.

Among others, the centre will collaborate with industry players on relevant research work or help them obtain government research grants. It can also assist in forging research partnerships by linking local companies with overseas companies using local technology to meet specific application demands.

“This will in particular benefit those from the manufacturing and education sectors. The former will be able to increase productivity and improve product quality, while the latter will be able to expand expertise and knowledge in advancing sensor technologies and their applications globally,” said Hamidah.

To date, several companies have benefited from the services offered by the IC-Innovation in Sensors. One of these is Primelux Energy Sdn Bhd. The centre developed an IoT based system, called Light Alarm Triggering System (LATte), which measures the street light‘s current and voltage and sends the data to the cloud server in real time continuously, facilitating the detection of the street light failures. This eliminates the need for a patrolling team to monitor them, thus saving on manpower costs and reducing the risk of accidents occurring because of later responses.

The centre also worked on the Kelulut Integrated Information System (KIIS), another IoT-based device that uses digital sensors to measure the temperature and humidity of stingless bees (Kelulut) hives in real time. This consistent and continuous monitoring of the hives will ensure the colony stays productive, facilitating an increase in honey productivity and income for the bee keeper.

To ensure a smooth path of progress for the development of sensor technologies, better Internet network infrastructure will allow for seamless data monitoring. As sensors are wireless connected, it is also a must to ascertain they are protected from network security threats.

As a recently established centre, the IC-Innovation in Sensors still has much to learn. “To expedite the learning curve, we would like to invite industries to collaborate with us in related projects that can be benefit both parties,” said Hamidah.

Ultimately, SIRIM aims to develop sensors that are interconnected and able to monitor and controlled remotely. To achieve this, the centre also looks forward to partnering with industries and universities to increase awareness on the significance of sensor technologies via training programmes.