Sensorily activating taps is well known from public areas and health facilities, in particularly. Contactless and automated control has both practical and hygienic advantages.

This function is really in trend in Asia. Even private households equip sanitary devices and systems with motion detectors.

For example, the technology is even used in toilets. A radar sensor detects movement in the room and detects when a person enters and approaches the room. The motion detector then sends a signal that triggers the toilet lid to automatically open. When the person leaves the bathroom, the lid lowers again.

However, even more is possible with the technology – for example, using different wiping movements to actively control the toilet seat. Depending on the gesture and preferred position when using the toilet, the lid can be lowered or raised without contact.

Radar technology is taking on another extraordinary task for wind turbines. From 2015 to 2018 as part of a funded project, InnoSenT worked on a sensitive measurement that detects the smallest deviations of the vibrating rotor blades. This is an important measure that continuously monitors the wear and tear of the turbine.

A system like this uses highly precise distance measurement in the millimetre range. As soon as the distance between the pole and the rotor blade is too large, there is a risk of the screw loosening. The radar system relays a signal when the critical condition is reached and provides measured values in real time for monitoring.

There is another application of the technology in connection with wind turbines: Radar is able to detect birds and flying objects. If an animal approaches the wind turbine, it would be possible to slow down the blades after receiving the radar signal in order to protect the endangered birds.

A typical field of application for sensors is safety technology. Radar detects movement and presence regardless of weather or lighting conditions. But who says that the advanced systems only have to guard buildings, critical infrastructures or properties?

Radar barriers can also be used, for example, as a safety measure for animal enclosures. They are primarily used to protect against poachers or to deter other unauthorised visitors and predators. The invisible radar barrier along the fence prevents people or animals from getting too close to the potential prey and triggers an alarm.

Another unusual but very helpful application of radar measurement technology is the detection of vital signs. Highly sensitive radar devices can sense the deflection of the heart and detect minimal breathing movements. In the NeoWatch and Guardian research projects, InnoSenT developed a system that enables continuous and contactless measurement in a medical environment. This application can not only relieve the burden on nursing staff, but also detect initial abnormalities in the vital signs at an early stage.

In addition to the high level of reliability and precision, one crucial advantage compared to other measuring systems is that patients do not need to be wired up. This is particularly useful in neonatal intensive care and gerontology.

Various measurement technologies are used in professional sport to make progress visible. Many people do not even know that this involves radar technology too. The sensors are ideally suited for measuring speeds. An example of this is determining the flight speed of a ball. However, not only that, but the trajectory and the lift can also be determined.

InnoSenT’s products successfully support the analysis of athlete performance in baseball and golf, among other sports. However, measurements are also required in recreational sports: Radar sensors can be used, for example to check compliance with regulations such as maximum shooting speeds for paintball.

You will also find an extraordinary use of radars on the roadside. No, we are not talking about typical speed measurements by the police. An innovative – and therefore not so well known – application of the technology is the animal crossing warning system. The aim is to reduce the number of accidents involving wildlife.

For this purpose, sensors detect movements of animals such as deer or wild boars near roads. As there could potentially be a collision with vehicles when they cross the road, flashing lights on street posts are provided to warn road users.

InnoSenT, with its many years of expertise in the field of radar development, provided support with the AniMOT project. The system now needs to hold its own in field tests. For example, a test section of the wildlife alarm is in place near the company headquarters.

For many people, driver assistance systems have already become indispensable. Radar sensors help us to park, keep an eye on blind spots and maintain safe stopping distances. But there is even more radar in vehicles!

InnoSenT’s SMR series is a prime example. The sensors are integrated into dash cams to activate them from standby shortly before a collision. This not only offers optimised energy efficiency, but also a solution to data protection issues, especially in Europe.

The increased demand for electric cars led to another convenient application, namely displaying E-charging station occupancy. Radar sensors detect if parking spaces are available and pass this information on to a parking occupancy system. However, the technology also opens fuel filler caps or boots automatically and without contact after a detected movement.

One futuristic application is gesture control for the multimedia cockpit in vehicles. Such systems distinguish between different hand movements and, based on these gestures, can implement functions such as volume control or menu navigation without any contact being required.

Another unusual application of radar technology is the provision of important information to rescuers in emergency situations: Heat and smoke do not matter to the sensors. They detect reliably even under extreme conditions. They do not just recognise movements, but also the presence of people. Fire alarm manufacturers make use of these properties and integrate radar technology into their systems. The sensors detect and monitor people in the room. If a fire breaks out, this can be extremely important information for the fire brigade and emergency services. They can target rooms with people in need and not miss anyone in confusing buildings full of smoke.

Radar waves penetrate various materials such as plastics, polystyrene and even wood. This property is useful for making movements behind or within objects made of the material visible to us. This is not only important for the integration of sensors, but can also be the basic function of an application. This was also the case with the amazing idea of using radar technology for pest control. More specifically, for the detection of termite infestation in houses or other objects. While this issue is less relevant in the UK, other countries such as Australia have problems with vermin that cannot be ignored. Radar devices designed for this purpose detect the rapid movements of termites within the wooden walls and thus provide information as to whether and to what extent there is an infestation.