SHUTE Sensing Solutions is a spin-out from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
Two of SHUTEs founders, Ph.d. Kristian Nielsen and Professor Ole Bang, were scientists working at DTU Photonics, on projects related to polymer optic fibers. They developed a novel polymer optical fiber sensor system, which enabled SHUTE to real-time monitor strain/stress, humidity, and temperature in points along a hair-thin optical fiber. Since then, it has proven useful for monitoring vibrations also, more than 10MHz.
The system consists of an electronic box – called an interrogator, a microstructured polymer optical fiber and a number of Fiber Bragg Grating sensing points – FBGs. The interesting part about FBGs is that we can monitor more parameters on the same optical fiber and even different parameters. This makes our sensing system able to replace a number of different sensors or strain gauges, and as the sensor probe is hair-thin and made of plastic it can be placed in hard to reach places, or embedded in different materials- even soft materials like rubber.
Interview with Kristian Rode, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at SHUTE Sensing Solutions.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Kristian Rode: We focus on producing complete sensing systems to our customers. We have full in-house production facilities which makes us able to both make customized solutions and more standardized products like ConcDry®.
ConcDry® is a new sensor system optimized for monitoring humidity in concrete floors as they dry. This gives the construction company knowledge as to when it is possible to install wooden, industry, acoustic floors or plaster walls on top of the concrete floor – minimizing the risk of residual humidity destroying them or creating an environment for mould.
E.E: What’s the news about new products/services?
K.R: ConcDry® is planned for launch in Q1 this year. It has been many years under development, but now a user-friendly version is finally ready. Focus has been on developing a sensing system that is rugged enough to be used in the construction industry; with an easy to implement sensor probe and a simple to understand interface, that can be used on your mobile device or computer. Data transmits to the cloud so that you can follow the drying development of your concrete floors anywhere.
E.E: What are the ranges of products/services?
K.R: We have a full in-house production facility; therefore, we can offer customized polymer fibers in terms of length, diameter, claddings, core structures, geometry, polymers, etc. We also offer fibers with up to 10 FBG sensing points and if you are not familiar with optical fibers, we produce complete sensing systems, including a user-friendly interface.
E.E: What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
K.R: Things are looking a lot brighter than previous years, with first Covid, supply shortages, war in Ukraine and inflation. It feels like a certain state of new normal has evolved.
We definitely felt more optimism on the fairs we attended last year and more willingness to invest in new sensing solutions. Normally new business accounts for 15-25% of SHUTEs turnover, in 2023 it was 50%, and we doubled the number of new accounts per year compared to previous years, which is a good indicator for better days ahead.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
K.R: We see that especially the defence industry is growing, both in terms of increasing demand for hardware but also in terms of growing willingness to invest in new technology. We commenced new development projects with two world class players in each of their expertise fields last year.
Also, we feel a growing interest for monitoring humidity. Our sensing system is very versatile, e.g., monitoring humidity in concrete, in different types of oil, in wooden constructions, etc. The one thing that really makes our humidity sensors stand out is that they can survive and monitor in 100% RH.
E.E: What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
K.R: SHUTEs technology is unique, as we are the only commercial company using microstructured polymer optical fibers combined with FBGs for sensing. This means that every time we enter a new market in collaboration with an existing player, we contribute with something new. Here are some examples: Monitoring temperature in different points of a mouse brain, monitoring strain inside a 9.4 Tesla MRI scanner, monitoring humidity in different types of oil and monitoring 10MHz vibrations in a tip of a hair-thin fiber, etc.
E.E: What estimations do you have for the beginning of 2024?
K.R: We have estimated to more than double our turnover in 2024, as we are planning the launch of ConcDry® in Q1 and talks with commercial partners on humidity sensor solutions look promising. We are also planning to hire additional staff in both production and sales. So in all, we estimate a promising 2024, and years ahead.