The world around us is teeming with information waiting to be discovered, and sensing technologies play a crucial role in unraveling its mysteries. From the depths of the Earth to the exosphere, scientists and researchers at MIT are using a variety of sensing techniques to better understand our planet and beyond.
At the recent Ambient Sensing symposium presented by the MIT.nano Immersion Lab, experts from various disciplines came together to showcase their work in sensing technologies. The event highlighted the diverse range of applications, from studying glacier ice to exploring the depths of the ocean.
One of the speakers, Brent Minchew, an assistant professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), spoke about the use of remote sensing to understand the flow, deformation, and fracture of glacier ice. By collecting data from satellites orbiting 700 kilometers above the Earth&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUthNVVLdU44VHJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUm0xdVZIQXdTSHBZZFhWM1ptaHFTRm92T1RGM1p6MDk-8217;s surface, Minchew and his team are able to infer what is happening at the atomic scale within the ice. This research is crucial for understanding and predicting sea level rise.
Minchew also shared his plans to build a drone capable of flying for several months over the polar regions. This drone will provide valuable data and fill critical gaps in our understanding of the Earth&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUthNVVLdU44VHJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUm0xdVZIQXdTSHBZZFhWM1ptaHFTRm92T1RGM1p6MDk-8217;s climate. By pushing the boundaries of current technology, Minchew hopes to improve our observational capacity and gain new insights into climate change.
Another speaker, Qindan Zhu, a postdoctoral fellow in EAPS, discussed his work on studying ozone pollution over North American cities. Using machine learning and observational inputs from remote sensing, Zhu has found that controlling nitrogen oxide emissions is the most effective way to regulate ozone pollution in urban areas. His research highlights the important role ambient sensors play in monitoring and understanding the Earth&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUthNVVLdU44VHJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUm0xdVZIQXdTSHBZZFhWM1ptaHFTRm92T1RGM1p6MDk-8217;s changing climate.
Transitioning from the Earth&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUthNVVLdU44VHJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUm0xdVZIQXdTSHBZZFhWM1ptaHFTRm92T1RGM1p6MDk-8217;s atmosphere to the depths of the ocean, Michael Benjamin, a principal research scientist in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, spoke about the use of robotic marine vehicles for exploration and monitoring. These robotic platforms serve as remote sensors in environments that are difficult for crewed vessels to access. Benjamin emphasized the importance of sensors in enabling robots to navigate, collect information, and avoid hidden obstacles.
Fadel Adib, an associate professor in the Program in Media Arts &https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUthNVVLdU44VHJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUm0xdVZIQXdTSHBZZFhWM1ptaHFTRm92T1RGM1p6MDk-038; Sciences and the Department of Electrical Engineering &https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUthNVVLdU44VHJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUm0xdVZIQXdTSHBZZFhWM1ptaHFTRm92T1RGM1p6MDk-038; Computer Science (EECS), shared his research on underwater sensing. One of the challenges in this field is the limited battery life of underwater sensors. Adib&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUthNVVLdU44VHJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUm0xdVZIQXdTSHBZZFhWM1ptaHFTRm92T1RGM1p6MDk-8217;s research group has developed sensors that reflect acoustic signals, reducing the need for power generation. They have also created a battery-free, wireless underwater camera that can capture images continuously over long periods of time. Adib highlighted the potential applications of underwater ambient sensing, from climate studies to monitoring aquaculture farms.
James Kinsey, CEO of Humatics, spoke about his work in applying knowledge from ocean sensors to different markets such as public transit and automotive manufacturing. He emphasized the value of precise positioning data for automating vehicle assembly lines and improving safety in transportation systems. Kinsey&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUthNVVLdU44VHJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUm0xdVZIQXdTSHBZZFhWM1ptaHFTRm92T1RGM1p6MDk-8217;s work demonstrates how sensing technologies can transform industries by providing accurate and real-time information.
Ruonan Han, an associate professor in EECS, introduced his research on sensing through semiconductor chips operating at terahertz frequencies. Han&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUthNVVLdU44VHJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUm0xdVZIQXdTSHBZZFhWM1ptaHFTRm92T1RGM1p6MDk-8217;s research group has developed chips for high-angular-resolution 3D imaging and gas sensing. They are also working on miniaturizing tags and sensors. Han&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUthNVVLdU44VHJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUm0xdVZIQXdTSHBZZFhWM1ptaHFTRm92T1RGM1p6MDk-8217;s work in the field of terahertz sensing opens up new possibilities for a wide range of applications.
Throughout the symposium, the speakers discussed the challenges involved in hardware design, manufacturing, packaging, cost reduction, and scalability of sensing technologies. They also highlighted the need for faster and more immersive data visualization techniques to make sense of the vast amount of sensor data collected. The symposium also showcased the capabilities of the MIT.nano Immersion Lab, a research space dedicated to connecting the physical and digital worlds through advanced hardware and software technologies.
To demonstrate the work being done in the Immersion Lab, retired MIT fencing coach Robert Hupp joined the researchers for a live demonstration of immersive athlete-training technology. By using wireless sensors and motion capture technology, they were able to provide real-time feedback and improve the fencer&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUthNVVLdU44VHJ3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUm0xdVZIQXdTSHBZZFhWM1ptaHFTRm92T1RGM1p6MDk-8217;s movements.
Overall, the Ambient Sensing symposium highlighted the importance of sensing technologies in advancing our understanding of the world. By bringing together experts from various disciplines, MIT is at the forefront of developing innovative sensing techniques that have the potential to address societal challenges and propel scientific discovery forward. The symposium also showcased the potential of the MIT.nano Immersion Lab in supporting and advancing research in ambient sensing and data collection.
