AI-Powered Portable Environmental Sensor from Fraunhofer IPMS

[Ahmet Ö.]

## AI-Powered Portable Environmental Sensor from Fraunhofer IPMS

Fraunhofer IPMS, within the scope of the FastSense project, has developed a portable environmental measurement system that combines advanced sensor technology with artificial intelligence to detect pollutants and hazardous substances in the field in real-time.

### The Need for Rapid and On-Site Environmental Analysis
Environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and civil defense require fast and accurate analyses in the field. Traditional methods involve taking samples and sending them for laboratory analysis, which prolongs the response time. The FastSense project offers an innovative solution for the instant, on-site detection of low-concentration volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other analytes.

### GC-IMS Sensor and AI Analysis
The system integrates a fast gas chromatograph (GC) with a mini ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). This hardware enables selective separation of chemical components, while AI algorithms analyze the complex three-dimensional data generated during measurement, allowing for highly accurate identification of components.

### Portability and Application Areas
Thanks to its compact design, the system can be easily transported for rapid environmental assessment in forests, industrial areas, or other field environments. The project focuses on verifying the system's reliability in realistic test environments.

This technology can be used in many fields, such as forest monitoring for early detection of ecosystem stress, observation of pollutant emissions, and identification of hazardous substances in civil security. It can also meet the need for rapid chemical analysis in industrial processes.

### Technical Specifications

• Sensor technology: Integrated fast gas chromatograph (GC) and mini ion mobility spectrometer (IMS)
• Measurement scope: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other environmental analytes
• Data analysis: AI-based real-time data processing
• Design: Portable and suitable for off-laboratory use
• Project duration: November 2025 - December 2027
• Funding: Support from the European Union and regional public funds

### Project Partners and Roles

• Fraunhofer IPMS: Development of sensor components and the mini IMS chip
• Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research UFZ: Environmental analysis and field validation
• ZAFT: Development of AI-based data evaluation methods

The FastSense project offers an AI-supported integrated approach to the requirements of high sensitivity, fast response time, portability, and complex data analysis in environmental sensor technologies. This aims to achieve significant progress in environmental monitoring and hazardous substance detection.