Sensor-technology detects micro-sleep

Munich Technology Group (MTG) has signed an agreement with Metallux AG, for final development work regarding MTG´s patented sensor technology to bring the innovative technology to market and large scale production

Metallux AG is a specialist in thick-film technology and sensors as a supplier to both the automotive and medical device industry. MTG´s "Presence Sensor Technology" is a unique sensor technology that can easily be embedded in steering wheels and other control devices (joysticks etc) of automobiles, aircraft and other machinery - and - among other applications- can be used detecting nodding-off and heart attacks, a leading cause of automobile accidents worldwide. Thus, the innovative MTG sensor can become a key part in new comprehensive automobile safety and security solutions.

The patented sensor technology, embedded in steering wheels or other control and command devices, allows seemless monitoring of user contact, actuation and certain user actions. Subsequent to finalising the development work which will allow large scale production, Metallux AG will be an MTG partner in bringing this sensor technology to market.

"Innovative security features are continuously in high demand - this is a growth segment both in the auto-motive as well as the medical world", says Jochen Wuertele, Product Manager at Metallux AG responsible for the MTG cooperation. "We are looking forward to - very soon - be able to offer this innovative and unique patented sensor technology to our world-wide client base for integration into a variety of products."

Traffic experts claim that about 25% of all accidents are caused by extreme fatigue while driving. This makes nodding-off, also referred to as "micro-sleep" in combination with heart attacks the leading cause of accidents, exceeding the number of accidents caused by alcohol and drugs.

These sensors can immediately trigger security measures

The "Presence Sensor Technology" can be embedded in virtually any device where permanent human command, control and attention is required, from steering wheels to gear levers, joysticks or similar devices used in the automobile or aerospace sector by any operator of equipment or machines. This includes the use within medical instruments. The sensor will detect certain user movements typically caused by external factors like falling asleep, nodding off or even heart attacks. Whenever the sensors would register such a change in the driver´s or operator ´s force or grip on the relevant device, this can trigger an automatic safety measure, i.e. alarm sound, brake or reduction in speed, autopilot control or even shut-down of equipment, all pre-programmable through related software.

"We have been working with Metallux very successfully now for more than a year and a half. From the beginning they have shown tremendous professional support. And we were impressed by the expertise of their technology team ", says Deniz Guezelocak, CEO and Founder of MTG. "After the functional tests were concluded successfully, we decided to commission Metallux to finalise the development for us."

Sensors pass required tests

A variety of tests involving sensors built into steering wheels were successful, at extreme temperatures both high and low. "In our tests neither extreme temperature settings nor changes in temperature have had any effect or negative impact on the functionality ", says product manager Jochen Wuertele.

The sensors require very little external energy since power consumption is very low. Also, the sensor system is insensitive to electromagnetic radiation and therefore ideal for the automotive, aerospace and medical sector.

About Metallux:

Metallux AG is a high-performance manufacturer of electronic components in thick-film technology. The Swabian high-tech company has a broad spectrum of services and besides its standard range of pressure, position, angle and film sensors, high-voltage and power resistors, it also offers customer-specific complete solutions through to the packaging of potentiometers and joysticks. An established customer orientation provides suitable ideas and solutions for satisfied customers. Innovative products, a variety of patents and many years of experience - numerous well-known customers from the automotive, electrostatics, medical and industrial electronics and sensor technology industries have been served for over 26 years by the head office situated since November 2011 in Leutenbach-Nellmersbach near Stuttgart, Germany.