Imagine a digital nose that can smell if a plant is sick or carrying bugs just by sniffing the air around it. Instead of cutting leaves or waiting for lab tests, this handheld tool detects the specific scents released by pests. It works like a high-tech security scanner for plants to stop invasive species at the border.
Plant import controls are currently too slow and labor-intensive, relying on visual checks and destructive sampling. This leads to low throughput and a higher risk of invasive pests entering the EU.
A portable detection unit (PDU) featuring VOC sensors, a pest-specific biomarker database, and a machine learning algorithm for rapid air analysis.
If you are a customs agency dealing with slow, labor-intensive visual inspections — this project developed a portable detection unit that screens imported plants in less than 15 minutes. This allows for a non-destructive way to identify serious pests quickly.
If you are a logistics hub dealing with shipment delays due to physical sampling — this project developed a non-contact sensor that increases throughput. It reduces the need for molecular-based detection kits that slow down the flow of goods.
If you are a hardware manufacturer dealing with the need for more accurate field diagnostics — this project developed a PDU with machine learning algorithms and VOC sensors. This provides a cost-effective tool for on-site pest detection.
Based on available project data, the specific unit price is not listed, but the project objective is to provide a cost-effective tool that reduces overall analysis costs.
Yes, the project aims to validate the device in operational environments reaching TRL7, meaning it is designed for real-world industrial application at import controls.
Based on available project data, there are no specific details provided regarding IP or licensing agreements.
The project runs from September 2025 to August 2029, suggesting the final validated version will be available toward the end of this period.
It is designed as a portable detection unit (PDU) for on-site use, replacing or supplementing labor-intensive visual assessments and physical sampling.
The consortium is research-heavy with 11 partners across 8 countries, featuring 5 research organizations and 4 universities. However, there is a clear commercial intent with 2 SMEs and 2 industrial partners (18% industry ratio), indicating a bridge between academic VOC research and a marketable hardware product.
Contact CNRS (France) for technical specifications on the PDU
Contact SciTransfer to connect with the senseApest consortium for early adoption pilots.
