IIT Delhi launches centre for researching sensor technology to tackle urban problems

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 6: A new centre is coming up at IIT Delhi which can help in solving certain urban problems by developing cheap sensor technology. Sensor technology can even be used by civil agencies to detect water logging and thereby save the trouble of using costly human resources.

For instance, when a city like Delhi experiences water logging, a person has to call and inform the Jal Board. This can easily be replaced by a very cheap sensor that automatically informs that the water level is at a particular level and accelerating at a particular rate.

The Centre for Sensors, Instrumentation and Cyber-Physical System Engineering (SeNSE) at IIT Delhi is a unique centre that involves research using hardware such as optics, mechanical and electronics and software including machine learning, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things for creating smart sensors and instruments. This research finds many applications in measurement and monitoring of various processes in industry, medicine and defence.

Speaking at the inauguration of SeNSE, IIT Delhi Director Prof. V. Ramagopal Rao said, “A system-based approach focussing on societal problems is becoming a key requirement for research-intensive institutions to remain relevant today. SeNSE will be following a multi-disciplinary approach with strong industry connect and with prototype development as a focus.”

SeNSE has six core areas of focus: optical engineering, electronic system design, advanced optical fabrication, micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems, sensor technology and cyber-physical systems.

The Centre offers an interdisciplinary M.Tech programme aimed to develop and train students for the industrial needs in different disciplines of science and engineering and a PhD Programme in specialized research areas combining multiple disciplines of microelectronics, optics, electronic circuits and mechanical engineering, to design and develop complete systems.

It is also planning to introduce a part-time version of the MS (Research) and PG programs for industry people.