AzTE collaborates with partner institutions around the world to jointly evaluate, market and license innovative technologies. A partial listing of available partner technologies is below.
University of New South Wales
Safer air travel: Laser air speed sensor
Invention Number: 10_2550
The COPLASS system is a laser based airspeed sensor for aeroplanes. It uses a laser to non-intrusively measure the airspeed of the flow between two points. COPLASS is not reliant on specific atmospheric conditions and does not require the introduction of any material to the airstream. This system provides a more robust and reliable method of sensing compared to current Pitot tube technologies.
COPLASS has the potential to improve the safety and efficiency of aeroplanes ranging from high performance military draft to mass transport commercial airlines. COPLASS has the potential to replace or complement the use of Pitot tubes, providing a simple, robust solution to flaws that have caused major aeroplane disasters.
Early detection of gas leaks
Invention Number: 2015_068
UNSW is at the forefront of research and innovation of ‘metal organic frameworks’ - MOF membranes that could change way we fabricate molecular membranes and revolutionise how chemical companies in the future carry out gas and liquid separations and enabling earlier detection of gas and chemical leaks.
This is an early stage invention, but it does pave the way for many technologies central to the latest techniques in chemical engineering and ultimately for improved early detection of gas and chemical leaks; for better occupational health and safety; and for the production of cleaner fuels.
Bionic hands that feel
Invention Number: 2015_089
Bionic limbs with sensory feedback developed by UNSW researchers, will provide patients with a more sensitive and enhanced feeling of touch. Artificial limbs may be needed for a variety of reasons; following trauma, neoplasia and vascular or infectious diseases. The growing global aging population and subsequent rise in the prevalence of these diseases are expected to further increase the need for artificial limbs. However, existing prosthesis are not satisfactory for users. Prosthesis use decreases by 20-30%, especially due to the lack of functionality, comfort, appearance and sensory feedback.
This invention includes stimulus patterns, systems and methods to enable controlled evocation of vibration frequency and intensity for bionic limbs and haptic devices; key aspects of the sense of touch. The invention also addresses how to selectively stimulate a single type of tactile sensory receptors. Bionic limbs with sensory feedback using this technology shall provide patients with a closer feeling of touch and a better quality of life.
More information: http://www.innovations.unsw.edu.au/technologies/bionic-hands-feel
Sensing implant wear using nanocomposites
Invention Number: 13_2790
UNSW researchers have developed a new nanocomposite based sensor technology for use in orthopaedic implants to detect stresses, wear and damage in implant joints. The technology allows existing industry standard polymer materials to be modified slightly with nanocomposites so that they change their electrical resistance in response to stress. The signal can be analysed to measure the stress and wear on an implant over its lifetime. A change over time in the stress distribution can be used to indicate abnormal wear in the implant.
This new material is as strong as existing polymer implant materials and does not require embedded components which can reduce the implants lifespan. The sensor technology has been tested in the lab and is ready for a collaborative research and development project to produce and test a commercial prototype. UNSW is seeking a partner in the medical device and orthopaedics industry to help further develop the sensor technology within existing implant designs.
The Technology is available under licence for free.