Micropump with Integrated Self-Sensing Technology

In numerous fields such as medical technology, biotechnology, or the chemical industry, the highest precision in dosing liquids and gases is required. Micropumps are indispensable in this context, but they face challenges such as disturbances from small gas bubbles, which are unavoidable in practical operation. These can lead to dosing errors that jeopardize patient safety. Traditionally, such monitoring tasks require the use of external sensors, which makes the system even more complex and costly.

The Fraunhofer research team has developed an innovative micropump with integrated self-sensing technology. This technology enables the pump to independently monitor its condition by analyzing its own control signal using artificial intelligence and the piezoelectric effect.

The self-monitoring capability of the micropump offers numerous advantages: it eliminates the need for external sensors, reduces susceptibility to errors and costs, and immediately responds to anomalies such as gas bubbles. Additionally, it detects disturbances such as back pressure and catheter blockages. The self-sensing technology improves dosing accuracy and reliability, saves space and production costs, which is particularly beneficial for disposable products and portable dosing systems in medical and technical applications.

The micropump with integrated self-sensing has already demonstrated its feasibility and effectiveness, providing a solid foundation for further development and implementation in specific application projects. This advanced technology represents a significant advancement in precision dosing, increasing efficiency and enhancing user safety.

The micropump was developed in close collaboration between the Fraunhofer Institute EMFT and Rapa Healthcare. Detailed information on the concept of micropump monitoring and the current state of the technology can be found here in the PDF.

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