Acoustic emission (AE) sensing that captures the movements of living organisms.
Green (Saitama University Research Seed Collection 2025-25 p.102)
Keywords: Acoustic Emission, Plants, Microorganisms, Electret Sensor, Ultrasound, Acoustic, Non-destructive Evaluation
When water moves within plant bodies, small bubbles are generated, leading to the occurrence of acoustic emissions (AE). We have advanced research on sensors that detect these minute AEs and developed a sensor capable of detecting plant AEs using a charged material known as an electret. This technology allows for real-time information about the moisture status of plants and aims to be practical as a cultivation support technology for crops where watering management is crucial, such as tomatoes. Furthermore, the developed sensor covers a very wide frequency range from 1 Hz to 300 kHz, which means it has the potential to detect AEs emitted by various organisms. Currently, we are challenging the sensing of AEs from organisms such as algae and honeybees, exploring promising fields of AE sensing beyond crop cultivation. In the future, we aim to realize a society that connects diverse ecosystems and people by sensing the sounds of life, not only in agriculture but across various fields!
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Kensuke Kageyama, Professor Graduate School of Science and Technology, Department of Mechanical Science, Field of Production Science 【Recent Research Themes】 ● Development of low-cost, high-performance acoustic sensors using electrets ● Development of biomass production support technology through AE sensing derived from algal photosynthesis ● Development of beekeeping support technology using AE sensing of honeybees ● Development of ecosystem monitoring technology using AE sensing ● Development of body motion sound sensors aimed at acquiring vital signs
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【Appeal Points to the Industry】 ● By using electret sensors, the water dynamics of plants can be visualized simply by attaching them to the stems (real-time monitoring possible via a cloud database). ● Electret sensors can detect acoustic and ultrasonic signals in biological systems and underwater across an ultra-wide frequency range from 1 Hz to 300 kHz. ● We have independently developed measurement devices suitable for electret sensors and a cloud database. 【Examples of Practical Use, Applications, and Utilization】 ● Development of a plant AE sensing system using electret sensors. ● Cultivation support using AE sensing in greenhouse-grown tomatoes. ● AE sensing in the Marudori method for mandarins. ● AE sensing of leafy vegetables in plant factories. ● Cultivation monitoring of algae through AE sensing.
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Support for cultivation and culture through AE sensing of diverse plants.
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The Saitama University Open Innovation Center is a center that functions as a liaison office for industry-academia-government collaboration. It consists of three departments: the Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Department, the Intellectual Property Department, and the Startup Support Department, each staffed with coordinators well-versed in various fields. The center's activities include solving technical challenges in companies, supporting the implementation of joint research, and conducting technology transfer aimed at introducing and utilizing Saitama University's intellectual property.