Q.ANT GmbH, the German quantum technology company, has taken a decisive step in revolutionizing entire industries with its magnetic field sensor, initiating a paradigm shift in the realm of Human-Interface-Technologies. More precise than before, the company’s new sensor can measure the finest electrical currents via their magnetic field, enabling native and intuitive access to biosignals for the first time. The miniature sensor, which is suitable for everyday use, can, i.e., control prostheses via muscle signals and take sensor technology in medical technology to a new level. At the Hannover Messe, Q.ANT demonstrated its further capabilities and industrial applications that can benefit from it.

Applications in the Automotive and Electronics Industries

Quantum sensing is seen as a catalyst for industrial progress – next to Quantum Computing. The company is at the forefront of both and is driving development activities to the point where they are ready for industrial application. One example is the magnetic field sensor.

Stressing that quantum sensing is a game changer for the industry, Dr Michael Förtsch, CEO, Q.ANT, says, “Our sensor can be used in a wide range of applications, including medical, electronics, and automotive. It can be used to measure the finest electrical currents and the resulting magnetic fields. We are creating something completely new that will shift the way we think about sensing in many industries. Applications range from the quality assurance of hard disks to the identification of fault currents in power chips or batteries, and one day even machines and devices will be able to be controlled by thought.”

Small, Precise, Suitable for Everyday Use

Q.ANT’s magnetic field sensor is unique in its extremely high sensitivity, despite the compact size similar to a sunglass case. It enables the measurement of the smallest magnetic fields in the picotesla range, which is one millionth of the Earth’s magnetic field - under everyday field conditions. Other technical solutions achieve a comparable sensitivity range only in special laboratory environments and by cooling the sensors to absolute zero (-273 °C) or by heating them up to 150 °C. Q.ANT’s magnetic field sensor, on the other hand, is so sensitive that it can even detect human muscle signals in nerve tracts. At Hannover Messe 2024, the company showcased how the magnetic field sensor detects the signals from human muscles and transmits them to the prosthesis, which then closes into a fist within milliseconds.

Applications in Medical Technology and Prosthetics

The sensor is ready for everyday use, combining sensitivity, small size, and operation at room temperature without direct body contact. In prosthesis control, magnetic signals are more precise and reliable than electrical signals, which can be disturbed by sweat or hair on the skin. “The new technology takes prosthetic fitting for people with arm or leg amputations to a new level, improving their quality of life. It also contributes to better social integration of people with missing limbs,” says Dieter Jueptner, President, German Federal Association for People with Arm or Leg Amputations.

The sensor can also be used in rehabilitation to control muscle training or in diagnostics of muscular dysfunctionalities. This could be useful in the detection of neuronal disorders or in the improvement of paraplegia diagnostics. Exoskeletons can also be controlled intuitively and contribute to work safety. For telemedicine, it is even conceivable that, in the future, they could be used to control avatars in the metaverse. 

For more information: www.qant.com