IMechE invests in ultrasonic sensor company

Inductosense, a spin-out of Bristol University, is developing novel ultrasonic sensors for monitoring corrosion, cracks or defects. The technology is known as the WAND - Wireless And Non Destructive system and it works by bringing a measurement probe near to a compact, battery-free sensor installed on a structure. The sensors are small, passive and wireless and can therefore be permanently attached to structures, even if the structures are beneath a layer of material or coating. This leads to a significant reduction in cost and downtime associated with convention monitoring.

Stephen Tetlow MBE, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said announcing the investment: “The technology Inductosense is developing has the potential to cut maintenance and downtime costs of wind turbines, nuclear power plants and other large infrastructure ― making maintenance more efficient and low-cost.

“It is exciting that we can support cutting-edge technologies, like those being developed by Inductosense that are, in George Stephenson’s words, ‘likely to be useful to the world’.

“The Institution wants to help companies overcome the hurdle between Research and Development and bringing a product to market, and apart from the monetary investment, this will also connect Inductosense to the vast resources and network of the Institution and its membership.”