The CSIR’s sensor science and technology team takes sensor innovations through to a market-ready stage and do small-volume manufacturing to help guide the technology transfer process. From the group’s research platforms in ultrasonics and electro-optics, the researchers are currently making an impact in four main areas:

• Through the use of guided-wave ultrasound, conduct real-time monitoring of railway lines to prevent derailments
• Provide research and development, logistical and small-volume manufacturing support to the South African and foreign navies in the field of sonar transducers and arrays
• Develop medical ultrasound systems for application into resource-poor, primary healthcare settings and
• Support our national electrical utility by providing custom electro-optical imaging systems for power-line inspection that enable proactive and cost-saving maintenance to be undertaken.