Our lab is also developing multiple embedded sensors for medical and environmental monitoring. Embedded sensors are typically robust, self-powered or passively powered sensors residing inside or around the object/area of interest for real-time, localized information gathering. Physical, chemical, and/or biological data gathered from these sensors are usually transmitted to a centralized system, via wires or wirelessly, for further processing and interpretation. Embedded sensors have many applications such as continuous structural monitoring, human health monitoring, pollution detection and home security, etc. Embedded sensors that we work on include the RFID sensors, the magnetoelastic sensors, and the battery-powered wireless Bluetooth sensors.

A chip-less RFID sensor for measuring the local environment (temperature, strain) around a bone screw. This technology will simplify the process for early detection of implant failure as well as monitor the healing outcomes.

The circuitry of the implantable Bluetooth transceiver for monitoring strain at a rodent’s femur fixation plate. With additional sensor modules, this sensor platform can be upgraded to monitor other physical and chemical parameters.