Quantum magnetic field sensor Nerve signals control prosthetics, exoskeletons, and avatars

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The developers at Q.ANT aim to fundamentally change the human-machine interface with their magnetic field sensor. The sensor accurately measures the smallest electric currents via their magnetic field.

Technologies at the interface between humans and machines have the potential to revolutionize entire industries. The Stuttgart-based quantum technology company Q.ANT has now taken a decisive step in this direction with its magnetic field sensor.

The new sensor allows the finest electrical currents to be measured via their magnetic field more easily and precisely than before. This allows for the first time a native and intuitive access to biosignals. The everyday miniature sensor can control prosthetics via muscle signals, for example, and take sensor technology in medical technology to a new level.

Automotive and electronics industry

The magnetic field sensor developed by Q.ANT could fundamentally change the human-machine interface. The sensor can measure the finest electrical currents via their magnetic field. This provides native access to bio signals. The compact sensor is suitable for everyday use and can, for example, control prostheses via muscle signals, thereby elevating the sensor technology in medical technology to a new level. It is based on nitrogen vacancy centers in diamonds, which serve as highly sensitive sensors for magnetic fields.

"Quantum sensing is a game changer for the industry. Numerous application areas are conceivable for our sensor, be it in medical technology, electronics or the automotive industry. We are creating something completely new here and this will lead to a rethinking in many sectors. The applications range from quality assurance of hard drives to identifying error currents in power chips or batteries, even machines and devices should eventually be controllable by thoughts," says Dr. Michael Förtsch, CEO of Q.ANT.

Human muscle signals in nerve pathways

The sensor measures magnetic fields in the range below 100 picotesla at room temperature, which corresponds to one millionth of the earth's magnetic field. This sensitivity has so far only been achieved by sensor systems under very specific environmental conditions: cooled to nearly absolute zero at -273 °C or heated to 150 °C.

The magnetic field sensor is sensitive enough to even detect human muscle signals in nerve pathways. The company shows in a setup with a hand prosthesis how the magnetic field sensor detects the signals of the human musculature and transmits them to the prosthesis, which then closes into a fist within milliseconds.

Magnetic signals are more precise and reliable

In prosthesis control, magnetic signals work more precisely and reliably than electrical ones, which can be disturbed by sweat or hair on the skin. "The new technology raises the prosthetic care of people with arm or leg amputations to a new level and thus improves their quality of life. In addition, it contributes to a better social integration of people with missing limbs," says Dieter Jüptner, chairman of the Federal Association for People with Arm or Leg Amputation.

In addition, the sensor can be used in rehabilitation for controlling muscle training or diagnosing muscle dysfunction. This could help identify neural disturbances or improve diagnostics in cases of spinal cord injuries. Exoskeletons can also be intuitively controlled to contribute to workplace safety. For telemedicine, it would even be conceivable in the future to control avatars in the metaverse with it. (heh)