Wearable sensors immediately detect stress in the forest
Whoever walks through the forest usually notices changes late. Trees often already appear dry or diseased. However, they send out chemical signals much earlier. A new technology from Saxony aims to detect these traces immediately in future.
A research team led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS in Dresden is working with partners to develop a portable sensor system for this purpose. It is designed to measure environmental changes directly on site.
Earlier detection, faster action
The team is working on the FastSense project together with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig and the Center for Applied Research and Technology at HTW Dresden. The focus is on so-called volatile organic compounds. These gases are produced, for example, by drought stress or pest infestation. So far, they can usually only be detected in the laboratory. That takes time. Internationally, this is a major problem. Researchers have been trying for years to measure environmental changes more quickly. Portable sensors and AI are seen as an important trend. The first systems exist, but are often too large or not sensitive enough.
The new system from Dresden aims to close this gap. It combines two measurement methods in one compact device. A gas chromatograph separates mixtures of substances. An ion mobility spectrometer detects individual molecules. The whole process is supplemented by artificial intelligence, which automatically evaluates the data. The aim is to detect even the smallest concentrations. And in real time.
Use from forest to industry
The technology could change many areas. In environmental research, it helps to assess the condition of forests more quickly. Damage could be detected earlier. There are also applications for safety. For example, the system could detect dangerous substances or explosives. In industry, it could be used to better monitor processes.
The project will run until 2027, with the aim of creating a practical demonstrator. Fraunhofer IPMS is developing the sensors and the overall system. The UFZ is testing the application under real environmental conditions. ZAFT is creating the AI algorithms for evaluation. There is a clear long-term trend. Environmental monitoring is becoming more mobile and data-driven. Experts are talking about a new generation of intelligent sensors. Because those who recognize changes earlier can act faster. This applies to forests as well as hazardous substances.
