Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM
Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM

Energy-autonomous sensor nodes

Advancing digitalization requires flexible, retrofittable, and connected sensor solutions – whether for future-proof energy systems (smart grids), in agriculture (smart farming), industrial production (Industry 4.0), or the city of the future (smart cities). Every industry has specific requirements that must be met.

The »Sensor Nodes & Embedded Microsystems« group specializes in the design and creation of networked and energy-efficient self-sufficient wireless sensor nodes. Components and complete systems are modeled and simulated to determine key system and performance parameters like their functionality, energy needs, and operational reliability. The results can be taken into account at an early stage in the design and implementation process.

Our expertise offers you the following advantages:

  • Advanced simulation tools: We use state-of-the-art technologies to determine the energy requirements of electronic assemblies at an early stage of their development, draw up energy balances, and identify potential for optimization. This reduces development costs and speeds up the time-to-market.
  • Comprehensive support: We offer support in all phases of embedded system development, especially for energy-autonomous wireless sensor nodes – from low-power system design and the implementation of hardware-oriented AI algorithms for data pre-processing to housing design and assembly encapsulation. This ensures that your projects are implemented successfully.
  • Strategic alliances: We promote partnerships and joint research projects to give you access to innovative technologies and new markets.

Our R&D services

  • Development of radio-based sensor systems for industrial environments
    • System design and partitioning
    • Power supply, energy balancing and demand optimization
    • Hardware design with innovative HDI design methods
    • Firmware design and implementation
    • Housing design and component encapsulation
    • System testing and system integration
  • Simulation and measurement of the energy requirements of electronic components
  • Consulting and review processes for system concepts
  • Development of embedded systems with edge AI

Applications and competitive advantages

Our system solutions for wireless sensor nodes and systems are designed for future-oriented applications, giving you a clear competitive advantage:

  • Smart Grid: Monitoring of energy technology systems to optimize plants and energy flows.
  • Industry 4.0: Condition monitoring of machines for the early detection of maintenance needs and more efficient production processes.
  • Smart City: Adaptive lighting and traffic control to optimize energy consumption and improve traffic flow.
  • Smart Farming: Monitoring of soil moisture, temperature, and plant growth for sustainable agriculture.

Your advantage

By working with us, you benefit from tailor-made solutions and a team of experts who understand your specific requirements and are committed to your success. Let's explore together how we can achieve your goals.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Online Expert Sessions

Energy-efficient system architectures for wireless multi-sensor platforms

May 14, 2025

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Overview and Architecture of Low Power Systems

7. März 2023

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Low-Power Radio Communication

21. März 2023

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Related Links:

Working Group

»Sensor Nodes & Embedded Microsystems«

The »Sensor Nodes & Embedded Microsystems« working group develops autonomous and energy-efficient sensor nodes for smart farming, smart factory, and smart city applications. Hardware-based AI algorithms help preprocess captured data directly in the sensor chips - saving on data transmissions, reducing operating costs, and ensuring fast access to high-quality insights. Our clients benefit from less maintenance, more reliable data quality, and much longer battery lives leading to fewer replacements in the field.

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© Fraunhofer IZM I Volker Mai

Projekt

SWARMY - Sensorik für IIoT-Anwendungen

SWARMY supports the condition monitoring of industrial plants and processes and enables predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime and increasing efficiency. The sensor platform is ideal for retrofitting industrial plants to upgrade existing systems with modern sensor solutions and thus optimize their performance.

more info