Research Innovations Technologies 2022
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Research
Innovations
Technologies
2022
INTRODUCTION
The “Research Innovations Technologies 2021” catalogue
is the next edition of the publication presenting
the technological offerings of the Warsaw University
zdjęcie: kolaż z technologii albo of Technology (WUT). It is aimed at the business community
z PW and entrepreneurs looking to improve their competitive
potential on the market by using innovative solutions
developed by scientists.
The Warsaw University of Technology is home to a large
number of robust and young, but also highly experienced
research teams. The diversity of the technologies showcased
in this Catalogue provide ample proof of the Warsaw
University of Technology’s huge potential to cooperate
with business.
Each item, in addition to a description of the technology itself, also contains information
on the current technology readiness level (TRL), which makes it possible to determine
the stage of its development and the expenditures still needed to see it through to implementation.
In addition, the provided description of market maturity facilitates estimating the innovation
and implementation potential of the presented technologies.
Feel invited to approach the Warsaw University of Technology to take advantage of our
technological offerings.
Professor Adam Woźniak, PhD, DSc
Vice-Rector for Development
ISBN: 978-83-963784-6-0
DOI: 10.32062/20220201
HOW TO READ THE LABELS DISCOVER WUT’S SOLUTIONS
TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
the level of advancement of a technology is defined using MECHANICAL OSCILLATOR FLOW METER 10
the technological readiness level (TRL):
ANGULAR MICRO-DISPLACEMENT SENSOR 12
1 starting scientific research
LASER DIODE INTERFEROMETRIC MEASUREMENT SYSTEM 14
2 finding potential applications
MECHANICAL TESTING USING MINIATURE SAMPLES 16
3 proof-of-concept study
4 laboratory verification
GAN-ON-SI HEMT POWER AMPLIFIERS FOR AVIONICS SYSTEMS 18
5 tests in simulated real-world conditions ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEM WITH A SWITCHED RELUCTANCE MACHINE 20
6 prototype tests in close real-world conditions IMRPOVING THE USE VALUE OF WOOD THROUGH INTERGRATION WITH ELECTRONICS 22
7 prototype tests in operating conditions
NANOSTAL – A NEW GENERATION OF HEAT TREATMENT OF STEEL 24
ENGINEERING
8 demonstration of the final form of the technology
SYSTEM OF OPTIMIZATION AND DESIGN IN AEROSPACE – SODA 26
9 technology ready for implementation
DIGITAL RAILWAY. DIGITAL TWIN OF AN ETCS APPLICATION 28
competition MINIATURE RADAR SYSTEM FOR DETECTION, TRACKING, AND IMAGING 30
the number of entities on the market providing similar solutions
as WUT
MATERIALSCARE – 3D PRINTING IN MEDICINE 34
MAIN USERS
TECHNOLOGY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF NEW GENERATION TITANIUM IMPLANTS 36
MEDICINE
type of entities being the potential target group of the solution
provided by the team VIDO – DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS 38
market maturity ARTIFICIAL BLOOD VESSELS 40
the level of market maturity
DISCOVER WUT’S SOLUTIONS
AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT TO MONITOR HUMAN HEALTH 42 SMART PARTICULATE MATTER SENSOR 72
A BIO-IMPLANT TO REGENERATE BONE TISSUE 44 HABITARS – TELEDETECTION FOR ECOLOGY 74
THE PRODUCTION OF A DYNAMIC SUBSTITUTE FOR CANCELLOUS (SPONGY) BONE 46 REWARD – REMOVAL OF DETERGENTS FROM WATER 76
T-SKIN – DETECTION OF SKIN CANCER 48 GRAPHENE INFRARED RADIATION SHIELDING 78
ECOLOGY
MEDICINE
POCT (POINT-OF-CARE TESTING) DEVICES AND AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC TESTS 50 SAFEDAM – PREVENTION OF FLOOD HAZARD 80
POLY(GLYCEROL SUCCINATE) PRODUCTION METHOD 52 ICESURFER – PROTECTION OF SURFACES FROM ICING 82
FAST AND ACCURATE DETECTION OF HIDDEN INFORMATION SOURCES IN A COMPLEX
STREAMLINING PROCESSES
BIOCIDAL NANOCOMPOSITE PARTICLES WITH A BROAD SPECTRUM OF ACTION 56 NETWORK 86
3D PRINTING INK USED IN REACTIVE INK PRINTING TECHNOLOGY 58 GTS-LOG: MODULE FOR EFFICIENT TIME SERIES CREATION FROM TEXT LOGS USING GPU 88
ULTRASONIC ATOMISER RESEARCH PLATFORM – REPOWDER 60 BALTICLSC: COMPUTATION POWER FOR SMES 90
AUTOMATED SUPPORT DISSOLUTION AND SURFACE FINISHING STATION – SAFEETCH 62 IMPROVING PRODUCTION PROCESS EFFICIENCY USING MATHEMATICAL MODELLING 92
CHEMISTRY
MICROBIOLOGICAL COSMETIC MATERIALS 64 HERITAGE IMAGING – AUTOMATING 2D/3D DIGITISATION 94
TECHNOLOGY FOR AMBER WASTE MANAGEMENT 66 INTERNET OF THINGS – FROM PHOTOS TO CUSTOM CLOTHING 96
SMART FLUID – SHEAR THICKENING FLUIDS 68 SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY 4.0 – ADVISORY MODEL 98
zdjęcie: kolaż z technologii albo
z PW
ENGINEERING
Discover WUT’s solutions Badania
Research
Innowacje
Innovations
Technologie
Technologies
2021 2022
Technology creators:
» prof. Mateusz Turkowski, PhD, DSc
(Institute of Metrology and Biomedical
MECHANICAL »
Engineering, Faculty of Mechatronics, WUT)
Maciej Szudarek, PhD
OSCILLATOR FLOW
(Institute of Metrology and Biomedical
Engineering, Faculty of Mechatronics, WUT)
» Grzegorz Rosłonek, PhD (PGNiG S.A.)
METER »
»
Adam Bogucki, PhD (PGNiG S.A.)
consortium: PW, PGNiG S.A., Centralne
This solution is a product innovation. Laboratorium Pomiarowo-Badawcze
(Central Laboratory for Measurement and
Applications Research)
Mechanical oscillator flow meters are designed for the
measurement of liquids and gases. They have been
widely tested under industrial conditions, for such the body. Volume flow rate is determined on the basis
liquids as cold and hot water, paraffin, aviation fuel, of the frequency of the impulse signal coming from the
sewage (pre-treated), liquid sulphur and other liquids flow meter.
present in the technological processes of the chemical Basic metrological parameters
and food industries. They are also widely used in the TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
Thanks to the special structure of the bearings, which stage 5: TRL 7-9
measurement of gases and gas mixtures, such as air,
largely allows self-cleaning, the flow meter sensor is re-
oxygen, nitrogen, acetylene, hydrogen. In special
sistant to mechanical pollution. Uncertainties of measu-
versions, they are used for a non-standard liquids, such
rement depend on the diameters of the sensor and the
as liquid nitrogen, oxygen, liquefied natural gas, biogas.
measured liquid, as well as the desired ranges. COMPETITION
How it works? 0.5-1.5% for liquids and 1.5 to 2-times higher for gases. Features which make this solution stand out from strong competition
The mechanical oscillator flow meter consists of a flow With the non-linearity correction function, it is possible competing solutions (a large number of entities)
meter, the size and measuring range of which depends to reduce uncertainties to 0.3%.
• universality – the flow meter has been tested in both
on the diameter of the pipeline and the universal signal high and low temperature conditions,
booster. The liquid flowing through the flow meter is
split by the flow splitter into two flows, which act on the
• durability – the proposed solution features a knife MAIN USERS
bearing, which provides higher durability than the large enterprises
oscillator, which features self-aligning bearings.
sensitive bearings of turbine flow meters, international corporations
The oscillator has a magnet attached to it, which, as it
vibrates with the oscillator, induces an alternating elec- • price – structural simplicity could translate into af-
tromotive force in the inductor located on the outside of fordable price when compared to the competition.
MARKET MATURITY
the market is at a mature
stage of development
10 11
Discover WUT’s solutions Research Innovations Technologies 2022
ANGULAR
Application
Technology creator:
» prof. Marek Dobosz, PhD, DSc Sensor models were created for measurement in a single
MICRO-DISPLACEMENT Institute of Metrology and Biomedical
Engineering, Faculty of Mechatronics, WUT)
plane and three-dimensional measurement versions, and
versions for use in a stabilisation system for beam axis
direction were evaluated.
SENSOR Basic features and metrological parameters
• The sensor features both firmware and software.
How it works? • Its advantage is small size, 50x35x30 mm (with elec-
tronics).
Two-beam interferometers, in which the incoming interfering beams by the same angle value, but in • The sensor is characterised by an extremely
beam is first split into two beams running along the two opposite directions. This way, the interference an- high resolution of up to 25 nrad. The accuracy is
arms of the device, are widely known. The laser beam gle changes, causing a change in the period of the ±0.5µrad±0.005α (α – the measured angle). The me-
in each interferometer arm is usually directed through observed interference fringes. The creators of the asuring range is ca. 360 µrad.
several reflecting surfaces to the other (outgoing) beam sensor have developed a photodetection system and
splitter. This beam splitter then combines both beams to algorithms for the analysis of signals from individual
cause their interference. If the beam entering the inter- photodetectors, to determine the change of period TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
ferometer (i.e. the beam falling on the incoming beam of the fringes and to convert it into a change in the stage 4: TRL 4-6
splitter) is deflected by a small angle in the interferome- interference angle, and eventually into a change in
ter plane, and there is the same number of reflections the angular position of the incoming interferometer
in both interferometer arms (in general, if there is an beam.
even or odd number of reflections in both arms), then
The creators suggested a remarkably simple techni-
COMPETITION
the two interfering outgoing beams become deflected no competition
cal implementation of the said method in the form
by the same angle and in the same direction, witho-
of an integrated optical system consisting of a single
ut impacting the interference effect in the form of the
beam splitter cube with two prisms fixed to it with an
analysed interference pattern, which is advantageous in
adhesive, a rectangular one and a corner cube one.
interferometric systems that count the moving fringes.
Thanks to this structure, an exceptional sensitivity
MAIN USERS
Features which make this solution stand out from to the angle deflections of the laser beam has been
small and medium-sized
competing solutions achieved with minimal size of the measuring system. enterprises
The creators of the discussed sensor have proven (the The developed angular micro-displacement sensor
description can be found in scientific publications) that is a globally unique device in terms of its manner of
if the number of beam reflections in both arms of the operation and metrology and utility parameters in a MARKET MATURITY
interferometer differs by an odd number, then the in- selected plane. the market is being
coming beam deflection will cause the deflection of created
12 12 13
Discover WUT’s solutions Research Innovations Technologies 2022
LASER DIODE Technology creator:
INTERFEROMETRIC » prof. Marek Dobosz, PhD, DSc
(Institute of Metrology and Biomedical
MEASUREMENT
Engineering, Faculty of Mechatronics, WUT)
SYSTEM
Interferometer system units constitute one of several Features which make this solution stand out from
optical configurations that allow the measurement of li- competing solutions
near and angular displacements. While these configura-
tions are widely known and used in coordinate metrolo- The developed laser head feeding the measurement in-
gy, thanks to the use of a small-diameter beam (4 mm), terferometer is a completely original device containing a
the size of the components of the measurement system number of patented solutions, which uses an affordable
are about twice smaller than in commercially available laser diode as a light source. To stabilise the laser frequ-
devices. The developed measurement system allows ency (which is necessary for measurement purposes), the
the verification of positioning and rotational errors of creators developed a new method involving the use of li-
coordinate machines, CNC machines and all devices ght interference generated as a result of reflections of the Basic metrological parameters
performing precise movements. The system contains: beam going through an optical wedge made of a specially
a laser head with an interference-stabilised laser diode, selected material. The laser head also includes an inno- • The measuring ranges of linear and angular
displacements are 3.5m and ±5°, respectively.
optical measurement units, fringe counting and interpo- vative system developed by the creators for receiving in- TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
lation circuit card, environmental compensator, softwa- terference fringes with a finite period using a small-sized • The maximum resolutions of linear and angular stage 3: TRL 1-3
re, mechanical mounting and adjusting units. integrated photodetector. It consists of 13 photo sensors displacements are 0.3nm and 0.5”, respectively.
stage 4: TRL 4-6
appropriately distributed with the use of new signal pro- • Relative vacuum wavelength instability over 8h: ca.
How it works? cessing algorithms, which ensures that the measurement 5*10-8 (average relative displacement).
error is minimised.
A beam emitted by the laser head is introduced into • Relative measurement uncertainty for linear
the measurement interferometer unit, in which one of displacements: 10-6. COMPETITION
the elements is a measuring reflector. After reception little competition
in the head by the photodetection system, the interfe-
rence signal is converted into appropriate electrical si-
gnal, which is then passed to the meter and interpolator MARKET MATURITY
system, which in turn converts it into information about the market is being
reflector displacement. This information is provided to created
the user on a personal computer.
214 15
Discover WUT’s solutions Research Innovations Technologies 2022
Technology creators:
MECHANICAL » prof. Zbigniew Pakieła, PhD, DSc
» Rafał Molak, PhD
TESTING USING » Tomasz Brynk, PhD
MINIATURE
» Barbara Romelczyk-Baishya, MSc
» Kamil Majchrowicz, MSc
SPECIMENS » Monika Wieczorek, MSc
(Division of Materials Design, Faculty of Materials
Science and Engineering, WUT)
What is it about? Application
The concept is a process innovation involving conduc- This method allows determining the mechanical proper-
ting a research procedure to determine the mechanical ties of materials that may be collected in a very limited
properties of structural materials present in a limited amount from an operating installation or materials which
volume which precludes the preparation of specimens
with standard-compliant sizes.
are available for testing only in low volumes. Potential
users include the chemical and petrochemical, power, ae-
TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
stage 4: TRL 4-6
rospace, automotive and nuclear industries and science
Another application area of miniature specimens is in
laboratories developing new materials.
situations where tests must be non-destructive to (or
have a minimal destructive effect on) the analysed de-
vice or structure. In such cases, a small amount of the
Features which make this solution stand out from COMPETITION
competing solutions
material can be collected and is sufficient to carry out little competition
mechanical tests using miniature specimens and deter- This solution facilitates determining the mechanical
mine the mechanical properties of the material of the properties of materials available in limited quantities.
device or structure in a non-destructive manner (having The typical procedures used in practice and provided MAIN USERS
a minimal destructive effect). by laboratories are based on the requirements set out small and medium-sized
in standards, which require a relatively high specimen
enterprises
volume.
large enterprises
international corporations
MARKET MATURITY
the market is developing
16 17
Discover WUT’s solutions Badania
Research
Innowacje
Innovations
Technologie
Technologies
2021 2022
Technology creators:
GAN-ON-SI HEMT » Wojciech Wojtasiak, PhD, DSc,
Associate Professor
POWER AMPLIFIERS (Institute of Radioelectronics and
Multimedia Technology, Faculty of
FOR AVIONICS SYSTEMS
Electronics and Information Technology,
WUT)
» Daniel Gryglewski, PhD
(Institute of Radioelectronics and
Multimedia Technology, Faculty of
Electronics and Information Technology,
WUT)
A trend to move away from gallium arsenide to wide- Application
-bandgap semiconductors has long been observed in
The primary idea is to use a more affordable GaN/
the production of transistors and integrated circuits
Si technology in less demanding systems (with lower
for radar systems. Currently, it is known that the GaN
power density requirements). Such systems include
HEMT technology will form the basis for manufacturing
active microwave devices for radiolocation. For various
secondary surveillance radars, including IFF and DME TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
subsystems. The idea is justified by low operating
reasons, the predominant substrate for GaN epitaxy in stage 3: TRL 1-3
frequencies up to 3.5 GHz and pulse operation with
GaN-based high-power microwave devices is SiC. Ho-
a small duty cycle.
wever, devices of this type are very expensive.
What is the innovation? Features which make this solution stand out from COMPETITION
competing solutions Firstly, the transistor life span is reduced when operating at no competition
An alternative solution involves GaN HEMT transistors channel temperatures close to the maximum allowable value.
on silicon wafers, which can be purchased for half the The main innovation of the amplifier involves the use
of more affordable GaN transistors on an Si substrate Secondly, the parameters of the transistor (both DC and RF)
price. Currently, the GaN on Si technology is rarely
used in GaN HEMT production for RF and microwave in the structure of power amplifiers (to be used in less indicate a significant dependence on the temperature of its MAIN USERS
demanding systems). active region. small and medium-sized
applications.
Our solution also covers the construction of power However, the application of this solution requires The results indicate that the use of this GaN “on” Si transistor enterprises
for the production of microwave power amplifiers is
blocks, which provides polarisation signals for GaN/Si consideration during the circuit design dynamic large enterprises
microwave transistors and controls amplifier operation. temperature distributions of active elements. economically viable.
The units contain high-performance AC/DC and DC/DC The channel temperature value under normal operating
converters based on GaN/Si HEMT transistors, which conditions of the transistor significantly affects its MARKET MATURITY
allow power supply from AC 110-230V and DC 24-30V \. performance. the market is at a mature
stage of development
18 218 19Discover WUT’s solutions Badania
Research
Innowacje
Innovations
Technologie
Technologies
2021 2022
ELECTRIC DRIVE
Technology creators:
» Krzysztof Jackiewicz, MSc Broad application
SYSTEM WITH
(Institute of Control and Industrial Electronics, Drives based on the SRM can be used in electric vehicles, belt
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, WUT)
conveyors, pump and fan drives, as well as in places with spe-
» Bartłomiej Ufnalski, PhD, DSc
A SWITCHED
cial requirements, such as explosion hazard areas, completely
(Institute of Control and Industrial Electronics, submerged areas or elevated temperature areas.
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, WUT)
RELUCTANCE Features which make this solution stand out from
competing solutions
MACHINE
A traditionally controlled SRM is characterised by a significant
torque ripple level, which results in excessive noise and
vibration, reducing the life span of the whole device. Research
work made it possible to develop a control system that
The work conducted by a team from the Faculty of Elec- multi-oscillation controller has been synchronised with dramatically reduces torque ripple. It is particularly noteworthy
that the developed solution involves the appropriate control
trical Engineering of the Warsaw University of Techno- the angular position of the machine shaft. This solution
of the machine’s phase currents, and does not require any
logy as part of the TECHMATSTRATEG project entitled allows an effective reduction of torque ripples and
physical intervention in the drive system.
“Technologies of semiconductor materials for high-po- angular velocity of a drive system in both steady and
wer and high-frequency electronics” allowed the de- dynamic states. An additional advantage is that the Opportunities
velopment of an electric drive system with a switched operating effectiveness is independent of operating TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
reluctance machine (SRM) based on transistors made of conditions, which allows the use of this solution in The SRM is characterised by: stage 5: TRL 7-9
gallium nitride (GaN). The team developed a complete variable-frequency drives. • simple, durable and affordable structure,
power electronic converter along with a dedicated con- • capability to operate under special conditions
The SRM is made of electrical steel and copper winding
trol system.
located solely on a stator, which makes it inexpensive (no permanent magnet or sparking components), COMPETITION
How it works? to produce, simple and, as a result, extremely durable • high torque overload factor. not defined
and resistant to damage. The SRM does not contain a An innovative control algorithm allows a significant reduction
This solution involves providing a special reference mechanical commutator or moving parts other than of the disadvantageous properties of the SRM involving torque
signal to the phase current control system of the bearings. No rare-earth elements are required to ripples. The developed control system is an invention and is
MAIN USERS
machine. The signal is selected in such a way as to produce the SRM, which makes it more attractive in the currently patent pending (application No. P.432816).
small and medium-sized
compensate torque ripples in the system. The reference context of the rare-earth-free concept. The structure enterprises
signal shape is calculated in real time using a multi- of the SRM and the converter makes it possible large enterprises
resonant current controller in the angular velocity to continue operation even if the winding is partly
international corporations
control loop. The innovation involves a different damaged. The SRM is characterised by a high torque
approach to sampling parts of the machine angular overload factor.
velocity controller connected with the multi-oscillation
controller. In the developed approach, sampling of the
MARKET MATURITY
the market is at a mature
stage of development
20 21Discover WUT’s solutions Research Innovations Technologies 2022
IMRPOVING Technology creators:
» Agnieszka Łękawa-Raus , PhD, Eng.
THE USE VALUE OF (Institute of Metrology and Biomedical
Engineering, Faculty of Mechatronics, WUT)
WOOD THROUGH » Damian Łukawski
(Institute of Metrology and Biomedical
INTERGRATION »
Engineering, Faculty of Mechatronics, WUT)
Alina Dudkowiak
WITH ELECTRONICS »
(Institute of Metrology and Biomedical
Engineering, Faculty of Mechatronics, WUT)
Prof. Małgorzata Jakubowska, PhD,
Europeans value wood products, and Poland in one of DSc, Eng.
the leading manufacturers in Europe. Poland has high- (Institute of Metrology and Biomedical
-quality raw material, in quantities which meet market Engineering, Faculty of Mechatronics, WUT)
needs, and we can manage wood in a reasonable way. » Daniel Janczak, PhD, Eng.; Tomasz
Despite huge progress in material engineering which Bohun Features which make this solution stand out from
TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
has taken place over hundreds of years, wood is still (Institute of Metrology and Biomedical competing solutions
stage 4: TRL 4
one of the main building material used in structural ele- Engineering, Faculty of Mechatronics, WUT) (completed)
ments and finishing works. Manufacturers of windows, • the technology will allow the extended functiona-
furniture, doors, or floors value such properties of wood lities of wood as a structural and finishing material,
as durability, heat properties, and effects on acoustics. • structural wood or wood for finishing purposes
How it works?
What if we provided one more functionality to this ma-
A simple and inexpensive way to give wood-based com-
will be equipped in a physical condition detection
system, e.g., long-term stress,
Competition
terial?
posite materials additional functionalities, such as buil- • the possibility to control the condition of wood, no competition
What is it about? t-in physical condition detection, or the possibility to e.g. temperature or humidity,
control temperature, for example, will find application • the possibility to respond to sudden threats,
The technology being developed allows the increase
in smart buildings, interior design and furniture produc- e.g. fire or flooding.
in its value by integrating electronics based on carbon
tion. MAIN USERS
nanomaterials. This idea was born at the Faculty of
The addition of a new functionality is likely to result in
large Polish and international
Mechatronics of the Warsaw University of Technology.
Integrating wood with electronics has become a factor creating a range of new products for the construction enterprises
which can boost the attractiveness of wood. industry, such as self-drying or self-heating structural
and interior-design elements, construction panels for
The subject-matter of the invention includes functional smart buildings which provide information about the Market maturity
wood-based materials or pure wood integrated with condition of the structure, e.g. the condition of pressu-
the market is being
recyclable electronic components based on carbon re values, humidity, or fire hazards, etc.
created
nanomaterials – graphene (Gr) and carbon nanotubes
(CNTs).
22 23Discover WUT’s solutions Technology creators (NanoStal team): Research Innovations Technologies 2022
Nanocrystalline steel is not only characterised by high strength
NANOSTAL –
» Wiesław Świątnicki, PhD, DSc, Associate and crack resistance, but also by:
Professor
• reduced frictional wear,
» Emilia Skołek, PhD, Eng.
A NEW GENERATION » Adam Gołaszewski, MSc, Eng.
•
•
increased fatigue strength,
reduced quenching distortion of steel elements during heat
OF HEAT TREATMENT
» Szymon Marciniak, MSc, Eng. treatment.
» Krzysztof Wasiak, MSc, Eng. The implementation of new technology in the production cycle in
OF STEEL
an industrial enterprise is facilitated by the following factors:
» Kamil Wasiluk, MSc, Eng.
• the nanostructuring process can be performed in heat treatment
(Division of Surface Engineering, Faculty of Materials furnaces available on the market,
Science and Engineering WUT and NanoStal Sp. z o.o.)
The developed, innovative process consists of a forma- • the process is conducted on ready-made component of any
tion of nanocrystalline structure in steel using phase shape and size, without changing the remaining phases of the
The duration and temperature of individual stages of the production cycle,
transformations taking place during a properly desi- process depend on the chemical composition of steel and
gned heat treatment. Conventional heat treatment of • nanostructuring can be applied for numerous standard steel
austenitisation conditions. For that reason the heat treatment grades.
steel consisting of martensitic quenching and tem- parameters are precisely selected on the basis of experimental
pering does not allow obtaining high strength of steel phase transformation diagrams for a given type of steel, Application
without reducing its ductility. The process, developed
by scientists in the NanoStal team overcomes this con-
taking into account specific requirements related to the final Steel subjected to nanostructuring receive unique properties, TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
tradiction, allowing to achieve both high strength and
properties of treated element. impossible to obtain with the use of conventional heat treatment from TRL 4 to TRL 7
Scientists from the NanoStal team developed several variants technologies. In collaboration with manufacturers representing
high ductility of steel, as well as increased resistance to
of the nanostructuring process, i.a., two-step bainitizing, various sectors, NanoStal co. produced a number of prototype
cracking. The nanocrystalline structure improves also
as well as complex heat treatments, including Q&P, B-Q&P, structural elements and tools using this new technology, e.g.
a number of service properties, which extends the lifeti-
• gears for high-load planetary gear systems used in mining.
me and operational safety of steel products. B-Q&T, which use the following stages: nanobainitizing (B),
The works were performed as part of IE OP application project
Competition
martensitic quenching (Q), partitioning (P) or tempering (T). low competition
called “Nano4Gears”. High-load gears are very demanding
The unique properties of nanostructured steel come Hybrid treatment methods have also been developed, elements. They must have a durable, and crack resistant core
from its microstructure which consists of alternately ar- combining nanostructuring processes with surface transmitting load and a very hard and wear resistant surface.
ranged layers of bainitic ferrite and austenite of nano- engineering(carburizing, nitriding, boronizing). They allow to The gears manufactured in the new technology are characterised
metric thickness. A ductile austenitic phase and the lack combine the high hardness of the surface layer (up to 1500HV)
of cementite precipitates contribute to the increase of and the advantages of the nanocrystalline core of steel
by higher resistance to tooth breakage than the ones MAIN USERS
manufactured with the use of conventional technologies,
ductility and fracture toughness. Carbon-supersatura- element. micro-enterprises, small
• coining punches which are subject to high and cyclic loads.
ted bainitic ferrite and strong grain refining of both pha-
Such punches emboss coin images on thousands of metal discs.
and medium-sized enterprises
ses ensure high strength of nanostructured steel. The developed technologies are the outcome of research
conducted at the WUT Faculty of Materials Science and If their lifetime is short, it can result in production downtime large companies
Engineering (WIM), and demonstrate a technology readiness and the need to provide new tools. Nanostructural steel punches international corporations
What is the process of nanostructuring of steel? are characterised by a longer lifetime, and also allow the
level (TRL) of 4 to 6. In order to implement the technology
The nanostructuring process involve the following in industrial practice scientists from WIM, together with the elimination of harmful chromium (VI) coatings, and to replace
stages: austenitisation, cooling to the lower Applied Research Institute - Warsaw University of Technology them with safe nitrided surface layers, Market maturity
temperature range of the bainitic transformation, (IBS PW), established the NanoStal sp. z o.o. company which • long-life concrete bolts, the market is at a mature
isothermal holding at this temperature and cooling tests and refines the technologies at TRL 6 and 7. • knives and blanking dies with increased wear resistance,
stage of development
down to room temperature. • stamping dies characterised by high dimensional stability.
24 25Discover WUT’s solutions Research Innovations Technologies 2022
SYSTEM OF
Technology creators:
» prof. Tomasz Goetzendorf-Grabowski,
PhD, DSc
OPTIMIZATION (Institute of Aeronautics and Applied Mechanics,
Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering
AND DESIGN IN »
WUT)
Jacek Mieloszyk, PhD
AEROSPACE – SODA
(Institute of Aeronautics and Applied Mechanics,
Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering
WUT)
In terms of individual analyses, there are numerous What is the innovation?
computational tools for designing aerial vehicles, but
The presented solution involves the creation of an inte-
they are not connected into a coherent design and
grated system for the design and optimisation of aerial
optimisation system.
vehicles.
Competition The team has long been working on numerical tools for
There are only a few research projects (members of the designing and optimising aerial vehicles, which are suc-
Team participated in one of them) in the field of inte- cessfully used in its own projects. Currently, individual TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
grated design and optimisation intended for specialised elements of the system, as well as example integrations, stage 5: TRL 7-9
support for aerial vehicles and one commercial solution are available. However, expenditures for tighter system
dedicated for aerospace applications. Numerical tools of integration, creating a user-friendly interface and deta-
this type are also used by the major aerospace compa- iled user documentation are still needed. COMPETITION
nies, such as Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Northrop little competition
Grumman, which do not share their software. Only the US Features which make this solution stand out from
company DARcorporation provides its clients with such competing solutions
solutions. In a lot of cases, the analyses used for design and opti- MAIN USERS
Demand misation in the WUT team are more advanced than the natural persons
competing solutions. microenterprises
The rapid development of the unmanned aerial vehicles
sector holds promise for potential market interest in this small, medium-sized and large
type of product. enterprises
international corporations
MARKET MATURITY
1 the market is developing
26 27W ostatnich latach można zauważyć znaczny wzrost zainteresowania koncepcją cyfrowego bliźniaka. Gartner, wiodą-
ca globalna firma badawcza doradcza, określiła cyfrowego bliźniaka jako jeden z dziesięciu najważniejszych strategicznych tren-
Discover WUT’s solutions dów technologicznych w 2019 r. Jednocześnie Grand View Research prognozuje, że rynek
Badania
Research CB wzrośnie
Innowacje
Innovations doTechnologies
27,06 mld
Technologie USD 2022
2021 do 2025 r.,
c o s t a n o w i o k o ł o d z i e s i ę c i o k r o t n y w z r o s t z 2 , 2 6 m l d U S D
w 2017 r.
DIGITAL RAILWAY. Technology creator:
» Andrzej Kochan, PhD
w
DIGITAL TWIN OF AN (Centre for Transport Certification, Division of Traffic
Control and Transport Infrastructure, Faculty of Transport,
ETCS APPLICATION
WUT)
“Digital railway” is a framework project – an initiative How it works?
responding to the digitalisation processes in rail traffic
The Digital Twin of the ETCS application (CBAE) creates
control, which can be observed at the European level
a digital representation of the real-world system instal- Application
(e.g. the Digital Rail for Germany programme). The
led on the railway line. It constitutes the main compo-
main driver of these processes is the implementation In recent years there has been a noticeable increase in in-
nent of CBAE infrastructure, which is accompanied by
across Europe of the automatic train control system terest in the digital twin concept. Gartner, a leading rese-
CBAE monitor components and the Virtual Laboratory.
ERTMS/ETCS as a significant element of the arch and consulting company, has referred to the digital
The monitor allows ongoing analysis of the represented
interoperability of the European railway system. twin as one of the ten most important strategic technolo-
system, while the Virtual Laboratory is a space for con-
What is it about? ducting research on the real-world system. At the Virtu- gical trends in 2019. At the same time, Grand View Rese-
arch forecasts that the DT market will reach the value of
A Digital Twin is a representation of a real-world system
al Laboratory, thanks to the use of an innovative design
method, virtual prototyping, the user can quickly and USD 27.06 billion by 2025, which is roughly a tenfold incre- TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
in virtual form, which involves data structures and algo-
interactively create various ETCS application configu- ase over 2017’s USD 2.26 billion. stage 2: finding potential
rithms. applications
rations, which are verified in terms of design principles The solution is intended for the transport industry and is in
It consists of three fundamental elements: in real time. The constructed models can be further te- the early implementation stage.
sted by simulating operating scenarios, which is the se-
• the space of the real-world system,
cond major service provided by the Virtual Laboratory. Features which make this solution stand out from
COMPETITION
• the space of digital representation, little competition
• a link ensuring data flow between both spaces. Operating scenarios are well established in the railway competing solutions
industry as a method of verifying the correctness of
The real-world system is equipped with sensors, recor- The concept presented by our team combines knowled-
cooperation between the ETCS system elements and
ders, which collect information on its status and the its environment. This functionality makes it possible to
ge of information technologies with the knowledge of a
transport engineer, including a designer, producer and
MAIN USERS
events occurring within it. Via a data link, the collected verify and validate the real-world system, which is im- large companies
information reaches the digital twin, where it is gathe- user, as well as expert in the formal and legal domain.
possible using dynamic tests and real-world trains. All international corporations
red. It describes both the current state and the history of configuration and operational data appearing in the
operation of the real-world system. The algorithms im- CBAE infrastructure are recorded in the archive, which
plemented by the digital twin environment process the
accumulated data using simulation and data analysis
is a source of information for analyses that provide new
knowledge about the real-world system.
MARKET MATURITY
techniques. The foreground knowledge obtained on the the market is at a mature
real-world system then comes back to its space, where stage of development
it is used for optimising selected aspects of its structure
and operation. 28 29Discover WUT’s solutions Research Innovations Technologies 2022
Technology creators: The system, consisting in a miniature radar head,
additionally allows access to raw radiolocation data,
» Piotr Samczyński, PhD, DSc, Eng.,
which improves its feasibility in educational applica-
MINIATURE
Associate Professor
(Institute of Electronic Systems, Faculty tions.
of Electronics and Information Technology)
RADAR SYSTEM » Prof. Krzysztof Kulpa, PhD, DSc, Eng.
(Institute of Electronic Systems, Faculty
Application
FOR DETECTION, »
of Electronics and Information Technology)
Jacek Misiurewicz, PhD, DSc, Eng.,
The offered radar sensor may be used in numerous
industries, i.a. automotive industry, military sector, or in
TRACKING, AND
transport or sports infrastructures.
Associate Professor
(Institute of Electronic Systems, Faculty Example usage:
IMAGING
of Electronics and Information Technology)
• detection of small flying objects,
» Mateusz Malanowski, PhD, DSc, Eng.,
Associate Professor • protection and monitoring of critical infrastructure,
(Institute of Electronic Systems, Faculty
The industrial revolution taking place in front of our
of Electronics and Information Technology) • detection of changes to building infrastructure
eyes has brought into our lives a multitude of sensors
» Damian Gromek, PhD, Eng. (monitoring of bridges/buildings),
whose goal is to automatically detect changes to the
surroundings. In order to ensure safe transport, the traf- (Institute of Electronic Systems, Faculty TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
• traffic monitoring, detection of approaching
fic of various transport modes is thoroughly monitored of Electronics and Information Technology) stage 4: TRL 9
vehicles, adaptive traffic-light system control,
- including both vehicles driven by people and unman- » Krzysztof Stasiak, MSc, Eng.
ned vehicles. Sensors are also used for other purposes, (Institute of Electronic Systems, Faculty • safe level crossings - detection of approaching train
e.g. to measure contestants’ results during a sports of Electronics and Information Technology)
event, or to visualise the course of team games. Vario- » XY-Sensing Sp. z o. o. (WUT’s spin-off)
• radar imaging, Competition
us types of electronic solutions are applied to this end, • “Sense and Avoid” applications. low competition
and the most popular one is monitoring with the use of
in two ISM bands. The device can detect, track, and pro- The most important features which make this
optical or thermal imaging cameras. The weak point of
vide an image of objects within the range of hundreds solution stand out from competing solutions
traditional optical solutions is their susceptibility to the
time of day and weather conditions, and no possibility
of meters as well as sub-meter resolution. MAIN USERS
XY-Sensing was founded by scientists from the Faculty • miniature size, small and medium-sized
to measure direct distance and speed. Radar sensors re- • low power consumption,
of Electronics and Information Technology, dealing with enterprises, large companies
move these limitations. The contemporary scale of the • direct measurement of distance and speed,
radiolocation for over thirty 30 years. The offered solu- international corporations
integration of electronic systems allows us to offer mi- • operation in all weather conditions.
tion allows work in difficult weather conditions, and is
niature devices with a growing number of capabilities, non-governmental organisations
characterised by low weight - only 0.5 kg, and low po-
at lower prices.
wer demand - below 40 Watt. central and local government
The parameters facilitate automated and simultaneous bodies, EU authorities
What is it about?
detection and imaging to numerous objects on a conti-
XY-Sensing Sp. z o.o., a spin-off company established at nuous basis.
the Warsaw University of Technology, addresses today’s The developed miniature radar sensor is currently at Market maturity
challenges and caters for the needs of the market, thro- the final testing phase. Technological Readiness Level 9 the market is developing
ugh its miniature radar (12cm x 15cm x 6cm) operating has been achieved, which means that it is ready to use.
30 31zdjęcie: kolaż z technologii albo
z PW
MEDICINEDiscover WUT’s solutions Research Innovations Technologies 2022
The team working on the project: How it works?
MATERIALSCARE » Bartłomiej Wysocki, PhD, Eng.
(legal and financial aspects)
Personalised medical instrumentarium is produced
with the use of the 3D print method based on light-
– 3D PRINTING » Agnieszka Chmielewska, MSc, Eng.
(CAD)
cured resins with a CE marking. Materials used by
MaterialsCare may be sterilised in an autoclave.
IN MEDICINE » Paweł Pacek, MSc, Eng.
(production and sterilisation)
Bone resections are performed using standard surgical
tools under an appropriate angle, and consistent in
» Maciej Rysz, MD, PhD cut planes with the models produced on the basis on
3D printing of personalised medical instruments. 3D (medical consultations) virtual planning of surgical procedures. Virtual operation
printing has transformed the quality and the process of assistance based on physical models contributes to
» Prof. Wojciech Święszkowski, PhD,
treatment of humans by providing new medical instru- improved facial symmetry, and better final functional
DSc, Eng. (scientific consultations)
ments to doctors, and implants to patients. and aesthetic effects in patients.
» MaterialsCare Sp. z o.o.
What is it about? Based on the comparison of the results of surgical
MaterialsCare designs and manufactures personalised procedures conducted with the use of standard
medical instruments used for optimising surgical pro- methods, and computer-assisted procedures, it can be
cedures. Virtual planning of operations on the basis of said that the team is able to achieve better outcomes TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
in nearly every aspect. The increased costs of virtual
computed tomography imaging facilitates the produc- stage 5: TRL 8
tion of personalised instruments using the 3D printing planning and models are in a large extent mitigated
method. by the reduced duration of procedures and less
Surgical templates designed and produced by Material- complications. The advantages of computer-assisted
Surgical templates, individually designed and produced operations have contributed to a substantial increase in
sCare improve the accuracy of facial bone reconstruc-
tion while the time of the surgical procedure is shorte-
by MaterialsCare, allow the performance of bone cuts the popularity of this type of procedures worldwide. Competition
ned. The scope of resection of soft tissue and bones,
in the planned location and under the right angle. By low competition
MaterialsCare proposal for medicine
using a set of try-in models for tumour resection and
and the precise location of dental implants is defined on
adjustment of bones with which the mandible is to be • Preparation of virtual and physical pre-operative
the a basis of imaging tests during a consultation with a
reintegrated, it is possible to match bone elements like models,
surgeon.
Application
a key to a lock. Virtual planning of surgical procedures,
• 3D printing of templates for surgery, with particular MAIN USERS
supported by surgical templates, reduces the risk of hu- public healthcare sector
attention to maxillofacial surgery,
The most frequent surgical procedures using the sup- man error.
• Design and characterisation of polymer and metal
private clinics
port of virtual planning and surgical templates include individuals
Other types of personalised medical instrumentarium materials for medical purposes,
mandibular reconstruction and orthognathic surgery.
Our portfolio also includes the planning of eye socket include matrices for the personalised shaping of tita- • Veterinary implants produced with the use of 3D
reconstruction surgeries or the reconstruction of tem- nium mesh or phantoms used for the bending of tita- printing technology based on plastic materials and
poromandibular joints. The implemented projects are nium plates or micro-plates. It is also possible to plan titanium, Market maturity
most of all aimed to serve patients – to improve the and print 3D objects which facilitate bone positioning the market is developing
during operations – dilation and shift of the jaw/mandi- • R&D cooperation on medical and veterinary projects
effects of surgical treatment, increase precision of mat-
ble. with the use of 3D printing.druku 3D.
ching bone splinters, which contributes to a better qu-
ality of life after the treatment is completed.
34 35Discover WUT’s solutions Research Innovations Technologies 2022
TECHNOLOGY
Application
Technology creators:
» Michał Gloc, PhD, Eng. Planowane je zastosowanie rozwiązania w medycynie.
FOR THE PRODUCTION (Division of Materials Design, Faculty of
Materials Science and Engineering, WUT)
Plans have been made to apply the solution in medicine.
Literature on the subject reports numerous cases of
OF NEW GENERATION
allergic reactions to titanium implants; nonetheless, we
» Sylwia Przybysz-Gloc, PhD, Eng.
need to take into account that implanted materials are
(Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish
not made of pure titanium, but of an alloy of numerous
TITANIUM IMPLANTS
Academy of Sciences - PAS)
metallic elements. The quality of the materials which
» Marcin Wachowski, PhD, Eng. are currently used in medicine creates a need to refine
(Faculty of Mechanical Engineering - Military the biomaterials in use today, and to make attempts
University of Technology)
to introduce new materials into medical practice. By
What is it about?
inserting an implant into human organism, it is assumed
It entails the development of a unique technology for Accelerated osseointegration process (connection be- that it will fulfil its function in a long-term perspective.
the production of new generation titanium implants tween the implant and the bone) reduces the risk of A good fixation of the bone with an implant, an
used for fixating bone fractures, in which the key ele- septic inflammation (bacterial infections) which may oc- appropriate implant shape, the load taking into account
ment is the production of biocompatible fixation plates cur during or after the implantation procedure. the stress distribution at the contact point of the
TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
and rods made of pure titanium (Ti-CP) used for the implant and the bone tissue, and the provision of a rigid
stage 5: currently TRL 6
How it works?
reconstruction of bones, with the use of the unique and fixation of the implant in the bone for the entire period
innovative method of explosive working. Thanks to the Pure titanium is not characterised by high strength. it is placed in the organism, will facilitate the creation of
applied technology, the developed medical products Its strength is lower than, for example, that of surgical such conditions as the ones which accompany normal
will be characterised by a unique biocompatibility, no steel. Titanium can be strengthened by way of plastic
alloy elements, high mechanical strength, and reduced working. Explosive working is currently one of the most
bone fracture healing process.
Competition
weight. The use of titanium (Ti-CP) in which strength modern and innovative metal working methods used
Features which make this solution stand out from low competition
competing solutions
properties will be obtained without the need to use alloy in practice. This innovative technology allows obta-
elements, is due to reduce the costs of materials thanks ining materials with unique properties, both in terms of The solution consists in the development of technology
to eliminating the need to use expensive, deficit and cy- strength and resistance to degradation. The unique na- for the production of biocompatible implants worked
totoxic elements, such as aluminium, niobium, tantalum ture of the solution consists in the development of pure with the use of explosive methods. This unique
or zirconium, which will at the same time improve the titanium (Ti - CP) explosive working method, aimed at technique allows the production of formed isotropic
MAIN USERS
performance properties such as biocompatibility. The obtaining a material which has a much higher mecha- materials with excellent strength parameters. The
individuals
increased strength obtained by way of explosive wor- nical strength than the currently used alloys. This will explosive method is a relatively simple, inexpensive small and medium-sized
king will contribute to the reduced diameter of bolts, allow the elimination of currently used alloy additives and fast metal working method. The development of enterprises, large companies
and thus the holes drilled in bones, needed to fix the used with pure titanium, such as aluminium (6%), nio- pure CP titanium working technology will facilitate the international corporations
implants. This will minimise bone damage and improve bium (5%) or zirconium (2%) which, while stabilising the production of working-strengthened plates and rods
its stability and regeneration speed, where temporary β phase, reduce the biocompatibility, which is essential made of pure titanium. The proposed development
implants are used. in the said applications. activities allowed the selection of optimum explosive Market maturity
working parameters, needed to produce biocompatible
the market is developing
and durable components with a high mechanical
strength, which will initially be used in veterinary
36 practice, and ultimately in humans. 37Discover WUT’s solutions Research Innovations Technologies 2022
This has already been demonstrated by the composition of
The team working on the project: the team whose members include, i.a., an ophthalmolo-
» Karol Kakarenko, PhD, Eng. gist, an IT expert, an optician, a psychologist, and a business
VIDO – DIAGNOSTICS (The Faculty of Physics, WUT, project leader,
module constructor, and vision optics expert)
analyst. Some functionalities of the device will be more use-
ful in clinical ophthalmology while others in technological
AND TREATMENT » Izabela Ducin, PhD, Eng.
(Faculty of Physics, WUT, projection systems
laboratories. However, with a view to optimising the price
of the finished device, and thus improving its availability, we
OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
expert) are considering the possibility to limit certain features for
» Anna Byszewska, MD, PhD specified recipients. The authors also try to ensure that the
(Department of Ophthalmology, Military equipment will not considerably differ in terms of size and
Accurate examinations, automated selection of vision Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, operation from the solutions known to potential users. The
correction methods and testing of new solutions, witho- human-subject research expert) first business partners are already expressing their interest
ut the costly production of trial glass or contact lenses – » Jan Bolek, MSc, Eng. in cooperation. The VIDO project team is working in the new
these are just a few of the advantages of a device which (Faculty of Physics, WUT, automation Perception Research Laboratory, which is a joint project of
is the focus of works as part of the VIDO project. Project and robotics expert) the Physics Department and the Research and Analysis De-
called “VIDO – Improving the quality of vision through » Dariusz Parzych, MSc partment of the Centre for Innovation and Technology Trans-
dynamic optics” is financed by the National Centre for (Centre for Innovation and Technology fer Management.
Research and Development as part of the LIDER IX pro- Transfer Management of the Warsaw
gramme (LI- DER/15/0061/L-9/17/NCBR/2018 in the pe- University of Technology, market research Features which make this solution stand out from TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL
and commercialisation expert) competing solutions stage 2: Proof of concept
riod between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2022.
» Krzysztof Petelczyc, PhD, Eng. At present, none of the devices present on the market offer
What is it about? (Faculty of Physics, WUT, promotion expert) all the capabilities arising from the project implemented
by the scientists from the Faculty of Physics. However,
The objective of the project is to create a device which
will be able to provide new data, and transform the ef- they are aware of the market competition. That is why the
Competition
fects of patient examination process, without any per-
especially given that some solutions, once verified using
project team monitor customer needs and functionalities
high competition
our device, might not qualify for the implementation
ceptible modifications made to testing. The device au- of commonly available solutions on an ongoing basis. In
stage at all. The outcomes of the works are to support
tomatically and extremely accurately “measures” the particular, they pay special attention to the Spanish VAO
ophthalmologists and patients, and facilitate scientific
eye, and then generates any kind of a corrective device
and industrial research.
device, created under the direction of Prof. Pablo Artal, as the MAIN USERS
on a special display, virtually placing it in or on the ey- one that most resembles their project. The difference is that everyone – starting from individuals
eball. Patients will be able to see as if they were wearing The marketing of the device will allows the production the said device works in a closed field, which means that the who will be tested with the use of the
a given device, but the need to produce and apply the of personalised correction devices, without the need patient looks at optotypes with digits and letters displayed on device, to corporations which can
actual device is eliminated at this stage. For instance, to rely on already produced lenses. The solution will screen. With the device we are developing, we want patients purchase production rights
before a surgery, the doctor will be able to demonstrate also contribute to conducting scientific research, and to see a broad field, not just the optotypes, but also their
several options to the patient, helping them with the de- to extending its range. It will also be possible to check natural surroundings. This way, it will be possible to test near
cision about the treatment method. whether accurate vision correction will be accepted by and distance vision in real-life conditions. The fundamental
Application the patient’s brain. value of the device will be that it will integrate multiple
functionalities into a single algorithm.
Virtual corrective lenses will not only allow the optimisa- The scholars devote a lot of attention to adapting the Most of those functionalities already exist in the form of Market maturity
tion of cost-intensive technological production proces- devices to the needs expressed by the recipients – ma- separate devices. In our opinion, however, their full potential the market is developing
ses, but are also likely to greatly facilitate clinical trials inly ophthalmologists and medical companies. will not be achieved until they are combined in a single
prior to the approval of actual devices for use, system. Moreover, the dynamic generator of corrective
38 devices will be a certain innovation. 39You can also read
