Startup Q.ANT, a 100% % subsidiary of Trumpf, and Sick, a leading manufacturer of sensors for the automation of production sites, processes and logistics systems, will work together in the development of quantum optical sensors. Representatives of the two high-tech companies signed a cooperation agreement aimed at making quantum sensor technology available to industry. The signing was preceded by a functional test: the two companies announced the world's first optical quantum sensor for mass production.
"Sick strengthens its position as world technology leader in the sensor sector by embarking on the production of quantum sensors. Quantum sensors are a key technology for the future of industry".says Dr. Robert Bauer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sick AG.
As a specialist in industrial sensor technology, Sick will be responsible for application development and product sales. Trumpf's Q.ANT subsidiary will be responsible for the production of the measurement technology - and thus of the basic sensor technology. "Quantum technology is a huge opportunity for German and European industry. This will be the first time that the partnership between our two high-tech companies will involve a product for mass production. The quantum sensor enables highly precise measurements and will provide information that will lead to completely new industrial applications," says Peter Leibinger, Chief Technology Officer at Trumpf.
Highly accurate measurements of the smallest particles
Until now, quantum sensors have mainly been used in research. Now, for the first time, Q.ANT and Sick have successfully completed functional tests for an industrial application. "Quantum technology, for example, enables ultra-fast measurement of particle movement and size distribution. With the industrialization of these sensors, not only we but also Germany - as a high-tech location - are taking a big step towards the commercialization of quantum technology".says Michael Förtsch, CEO of Q.ANT.
By using laser light, quantum sensors enable highly efficient measurements that would be impossible with conventional processes. "Quantum technology is the next level for sensors because it displaces previously firmly established technical limits. Thanks to quantum effects, additional details can be perceived from signal noise, whereas until now no specific signal could have been measured. This makes it possible to measure particles that are around two hundred times smaller than the width of a human hair.explains Niels Syassen, Senior Vice President R&D at Sick and the company's project manager.
The first use of the new quantum sensors is scheduled for 2021. Initially, they will be used to analyze substances in the air.
In the future, quantum sensors could become standard equipment in a variety of industries. For example, they could be used in civil engineering to visualize underground structures before construction work begins; in the pharmaceutical industry, they could make it easier to determine the best composition of tablet powder; in the electronics sector, circuits could be inspected through surfaces; and very precise measurements would have the potential to be made in industry in general.
The market for quantum sensors could grow steadily with industrialization. Experts at the German National Academy of Sciences and Engineering (Acatech) estimate the global market potential for industrial quantum sensors at around 1.1 billion euros by 2023.
Q.ANT, a wholly-owned Trumpf subsidiary, is based in Stuttgart. The start-up employs around 15 people and makes quantum technology usable in everyday life thanks to new photonic technologies. Trumpf has been using Sick sensor solutions in its production and logistics processes for many years.
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