ForTune – Predictive Maintenance Multi-Sensor Condition Monitoring

Subproject of iCampus Cottbus – Innovation Campus for Electronics and Microsensorics

Funding organisation: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), formerly the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

As part of the iCampus Cottbus collaborative research project, the ForTune subproject focused on developing innovative approaches to predictive maintenance for industrial machinery and equipment. The aim was to detect changes in machine conditions at an early stage, reduce unplanned downtime, and optimise maintenance processes according to actual operational needs.

The research focused on the development and integration of multi-sensor systems for acquiring relevant operating parameters, as well as the investigation of methods for sensor fusion and AI-based data analysis. This included ultrasonic sensor technologies, electromagnetic measurement methods, and approaches to vibration detection. By combining data from different sensors, the project aimed to reliably identify changes in operational behaviour and establish a foundation for condition-based maintenance planning.

The project thus contributed to the digitalisation of industrial maintenance processes in the context of Industry 4.0.

LINK: https://icampus-cottbus.de/fortune-predictive-maintenance/

5G-Connected Sensing

Subproject of iCampus Cottbus – Innovation Campus for Electronics and Microsensorics

Funding organisation: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), formerly the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

As part of the iCampus Cottbus collaborative research project, the 5G-Connected Sensing subproject focused on investigating and applying modern 5G communication technologies to connect heterogeneous sensors and multi-sensor systems. The aim was to explore the potential of the 5G standard for various applications in industrial automation, intelligent machine control, and networked sensing.

The research focused on analysing the robustness and real-time capabilities of 5G networks, as well as optimising their energy efficiency. This included investigating methods for selectively deactivating network participants that were not required, assessing network stability under fault conditions, and performing local data preprocessing. Another key area was the practical evaluation of 5G communication in different application scenarios and the characterisation of the 5G campus network at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.

The project thus contributed to the development of high-performance and reliable communication solutions for networked sensor systems and industrial applications in the context of Industry 4.0.

LINK: https://icampus-cottbus.de/5g-connected-sensing/

UPWARDS II – Drone Swarm Flight

Subproject of iCampus Cottbus – Innovation Campus for Electronics and Microsensorics

Funding organisation: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), formerly the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

As part of the iCampus Cottbus collaborative research project, the UPWARDS II subproject focused on the development and evaluation of autonomous drone systems for coordinated swarm flight. The aim was to enable multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to jointly perform complex tasks, thereby creating new opportunities for large-scale environmental data acquisition and monitoring.

The research focused on developing robust methods for formation control, precise relative positioning using radar and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, and collision avoidance within the drone swarm. Another key area was enabling largely continuous flight missions through an autonomous landing platform with automated battery replacement. By integrating different sensor technologies, including cameras, radar sensors, and gas sensors, the drones were intended to be used flexibly for various data acquisition and analysis tasks.

The project thus contributed to the development of intelligent, autonomous drone systems, particularly for applications in precision agriculture and the monitoring of large industrial sites, forests, and agricultural areas.

LINK: https://icampus-cottbus.de/drohnen-schwarmflug/

Tiermonitoring (Animal Monitoring) – Intelligent Sensor Systems for Animal Health Monitoring

Subproject of iCampus Cottbus – Innovation Campus for Electronics and Microsensorics

Funding organisation: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), formerly the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

As part of the iCampus Cottbus collaborative research project, the Animal Monitoring subproject focused on investigating and developing innovative sensor and communication technologies for the continuous monitoring of livestock health and behaviour. The aim was to detect health-related changes at an early stage, improve animal welfare, and support sustainable and economically efficient livestock farming.

The research focused on the design of networked multi-sensor systems for acquiring individual vital parameters and analysing behaviour within a herd. Various sensor technologies and communication solutions were considered, including contactless monitoring of vital parameters using radar and the networking of system components via 5G. By combining different measurement data, the project aimed to identify health abnormalities at an early stage, particularly changes in vital parameters and digestive tract activity. In addition, system architectures and interfaces were investigated to enable reliable data acquisition and integration.

The project thus contributed to the development of intelligent monitoring solutions for modern agriculture. The intended early detection of health abnormalities was expected to enable targeted treatment, reduce the use of medication, and improve animal welfare and the efficiency of livestock farming in the long term.

LINK: https://icampus-cottbus.de/tiermonitoring/