RSENSE · Project

Portable Light-Based Sensors for Fast Disease and Pollution Detection

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rsense.munichimaging.eu

Imagine trying to shine a flashlight through fog — the light scatters everywhere and you can't see clearly. That's the problem current optical sensors have when trying to measure things inside the body or in murky environments. RSENSE built a different kind of sensor that listens to sound waves created when light hits tissue or chemicals, which sidesteps the scattering problem entirely. The result is a small, cheap, portable device that can detect early signs of heart and metabolic diseases, measure pollution levels, or even work as an automotive sensor — all without bulky lab equipment.

By the numbers

consortium partners

countries involved (DE, EL, FR, UK)

SMEs in the consortium

40%

industry partner ratio

total project deliverables

5 years

project duration (2020-2024)

The business problem

What needed solving

Current optical sensors and analyzers are large, expensive, and fail when trying to measure through materials that scatter light — like human tissue, dirty water, or foggy air. This forces companies to rely on lab-based testing that is slow, costly, and impossible to deploy in the field. There is a clear gap for a portable, affordable sensor that actually works in real-world conditions where light scattering is unavoidable.

The solution

What was built

The project developed portable optoacoustic (PROPT) sensing technology based on laser diodes and LEDs, producing 13 deliverables over 5 years. A key output was LED and laser diode source models with determined performance specifications designed for integration into portable sensors. The technology detects acoustic signals generated when pulsed light is absorbed by target substances, bypassing the scattering limitations of conventional optics.

Audience

Who needs this

Point-of-care medical device manufacturers needing portable blood/tissue analyzersAutomotive sensor companies developing next-gen detection for ADAS and autonomous vehiclesEnvironmental monitoring equipment makers needing portable field instrumentsEpidemiology research labs requiring phenotypic measurement tools at scaleIndustrial quality control firms measuring chemical composition through opaque materials

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Medical diagnostics

SME

Target: Point-of-care diagnostic device manufacturers

If you are a diagnostic device company struggling with the size and cost of optical blood analyzers — this project developed a portable optoacoustic sensor that works through scattering tissue where conventional optics fail. The technology was built with laser diode sources designed for sensor integration, enabling miniaturized devices. With 2 SMEs already in the 5-partner consortium, the path from lab to product has industry input baked in.

Automotive sensing

mid-size

Target: Automotive sensor and ADAS component suppliers

If you are an automotive sensor supplier looking for next-generation on-board detection capabilities — this project created optoacoustic sensing technology that can decompose depth with high resolution and is insensitive to light scattering. Unlike camera or lidar systems that struggle in fog or dust, this approach reads acoustic signals triggered by light pulses. The consortium delivered 13 project outputs over 5 years across 4 countries.

Environmental monitoring

any

Target: Environmental testing and air/water quality equipment companies

If you are an environmental monitoring company needing portable, low-cost field instruments — this project built spectral optoacoustic sensors that detect chemical compounds without being blinded by particles in water or air. The technology was validated with LED and laser diode source models specifically designed for portable integration. The 40% industry ratio in the consortium means the designs were shaped with manufacturability in mind.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would a sensor unit cost compared to current optical analyzers?

The project objective explicitly states the technology 'is inexpensive in the production' and targets 'low-cost, portable sensor' devices. Based on available project data, exact per-unit pricing was not published, but the use of laser diodes rather than expensive pulsed lasers is a key cost driver.

Can this scale to mass production?

The technology is built on laser diodes and LED sources — components already mass-produced in the electronics industry. One of the 13 deliverables focused specifically on LED and laser diode source models for integration in sensors. With 2 SME partners involved, manufacturing scalability was part of the design conversation.

Who owns the intellectual property and can I license it?

The coordinator is Technische Universität München (Germany), operating under standard Horizon 2020 RIA rules where IP typically stays with the generating partner. The consortium includes 2 industry partners and 2 SMEs across 4 countries. Licensing discussions would start with TU Munich or the relevant partner who developed the specific component.

Has this been tested on real patients or in real environments?

The project ran for 5 full years (2020-2024) under the FET Open program, which funds early-stage breakthrough research. The demo deliverable focused on determining performance specifications for LED and laser diode source models. Based on available project data, this reached lab validation stage rather than clinical trials.

What regulations would apply to the medical version?

Medical diagnostic devices in the EU fall under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745). Based on available project data, the project focused on the sensing technology itself rather than regulatory clearance. Any company commercializing the medical application would need to pursue CE marking and clinical validation independently.

How does this compare to existing photoacoustic imaging products?

Current photoacoustic systems are typically large, lab-bound, and expensive. RSENSE specifically targets portability and low cost through laser diode technology rather than bulky pulsed lasers. The objective states it offers 'superior performance over the current state of the art' by being insensitive to photon scattering, which limits conventional optical sensors.

Consortium

Who built it

The RSENSE consortium is compact but strategically balanced: 5 partners across 4 countries (Germany, Greece, France, UK) with a healthy 40% industry ratio including 2 SMEs. TU Munich leads — one of Europe's top technical universities with strong photonics expertise. The 2 industry partners and 2 SMEs indicate real commercial intent beyond pure research. Having both university research depth and SME agility in a 5-partner team means less bureaucratic overhead and faster decision-making than larger consortia. The mix of 2 universities, 1 research organization, and 2 industry players covers the full chain from fundamental science to product development.

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHENCoordinator · DE
HELMHOLTZ ZENTRUM MUENCHEN DEUTSCHES FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM FUER GESUNDHEIT UND UMWELT GMBHparticipant · DE
ARISTOTELIO PANEPISTIMIO THESSALONIKISparticipant · EL
RAYFOS LTDparticipant · UK
SONAXISparticipant · FR

How to reach the team

Technische Universität München (Germany) — reach out to the photoacoustic/optoacoustic research group

Order a report on this consortium See TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore licensing this portable sensing technology for your diagnostic, environmental, or automotive products? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the research team and help structure the conversation.

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