SINTEF IKT

SINTEF ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is the largest independent organization for ICT in Norway, and one of the institutes in the SINTEF Group. SINTEF ICT employs 250 researchers and provides research based expertise in the areas of micro-technology, optics, acoustics, communication and software technology, computational software, safety and security. SINTEF’s objective is to ensure knowledge is used to promote sustainable value creation in society. Some highlights from SINTEF’s reserch are described below.

Small Technology with a Great Future
SINTEF is involved in the development of a high number of different sensors, and some of these are based on optical measurement principles. SINTEF has developed optical sensors for material recycling, gas detection, food control and medical applications. Micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS), or optical MEMS as they are also called, are systems involving micromachining of structures in the micro- to millimeter range whose purposes are to manipulate light. One of our designs is a configurable diffractive optical element that changes color when actuated, and this sensor is very well suited for detection of gases. MOEMS devices give the advantages of compact design, fabrication at low cost, high reliability and fast response. Examples of other designs are very sensitive micro-optical microphones, fast and compact autofocus lenses and tuneable filters.

Micro opto-mechanical filter for fast and accurate gas detection.	Underwater communication.

Technology for Ambient Communication
The next generation communication systems are facing new challenges in terms of miniaturization, flexibility and performance. The emerging RF MEMS technology already opens new horizons for microwave technology. SINTEF focuses on modem development of both wireless and wired systems, RF front-end and system design and networks for broadcasting systems or two-way communication. Even systems for underwater communication are developed utilising hydroacoustic transmission. The activities are towards sensor networks, thus focusing on underwater sound propagation, advanced point to point communication methods, and network protocol issues that are specific to the underwater environment. Applications are within environmental supervision, resource management and safety
and security.

Technology for the Emergent Market of Ageing & e-inclusion

New opportunities for a better life.

Information technology bears promise to help deal with the coming age wave. More support is needed with fewer hands to cater for their needs. There is a huge market potential for ambient assisted living solutions, but adoption is limited because they require significant resources for implementation. To remedy this, SINTEF has, in a European consortium, defined and implemented an open platform to simplify and speed up the task of developing and deploying services for persons with cognitive disabilities and elderly. The solution has been tested out in Norway and in Poland with good results. The platform is named M*Power. It is open source and is compliant to HL7, W3C, OASIS and OMG standards. Download can be done from http://sourceforge.net/projects/free-mpower/

SINTEF and major industrial and research partners will in the coming years develop a standardized platform built on a mixture of new development and consolidation of state-of-the-art results from existing initiatives.

Technology for the emergent market of ageing and e-inclusion.

Technology for Continuous Monitoring of Vital Signs
New technology makes it possible to perform advanced patient treatment, monitoring and follow–up outside hospitals. SINTEF is involved in several projects developing miniaturized sensors, ultrasound devices, navigation and visualisation. The main purpose of the monitoring is to provide decision support for both patients and doctors. Much of this work is done in collaboration with European partners.

As part of a US-Norway collaboration program on telemedicine, SINTEF has developed a system for continuous monitoring of vital signs. The system monitors a wide range of parameters and forwards aggregated data to an internet accessible unit. The sensors have been designed to be robust and reliable for mobile users even during high levels of activity.

Future Challenges
SINTEF’s vision is Technology for a better society. ICT has changed the world and continues to do so. It is pervasive and important not only in business environments, but also in social interactions and private life. In the ICT area big challenges are facing us. During the next 10-20 years ICT research and industry has to come up with new solutions for a Future Internet that incorporates Internet of things, Internet of Services, Internet of Enterprises and Future Networked Media and where intelligent and adaptive embedded systems and software is a basic prerequisite. SINTEF is facing these challenges on the software, communication and embedded systems side and in the development of sensors that will be used in demanding environments and in everyday life. Through this research SINTEF will contribute to the ambition of a better society.