Sensor technology in healthcare

Aligned with the goals of the Intelligent health initiative at OsloMet, sensor technology enables the use of technology for health benefits. 

Sensors are used for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease, and in prediction of treatment response. In health research, sensors are used to collect and interpret biological and physiological data.

Data from sensors provides input for technological innovation, combining state-of-the-art technology, wearable sensors, and artificial intelligence. In addition, researchers can use knowledge from how processes work in biology and medicine to design more efficient sensors. 

An important feature of many sensors is that they can measure biomarkers non-invasively. This is useful because it leads to less pain and discomfort for the patient and reduces the risk of infections. In addition, sensors can be used regardless of the patient's age, gender, and health status.

Sensor technology at OsloMet

Sensory information is a dynamic and multifaceted landscape that holds invaluable clues about our health and well-being. By leveraging advanced sensor technologies, researchers at OsloMet focus on decoding sensory signals, revealing patterns and correlations and monitoring biomarkers that can serve as early signs of impending health challenges.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used to process signals gathered from a variety of sensors and find new connections.

Examples of sensor technologies used by researchers at OsloMet include:

• Accelerometers that measure movement, tilt, vibrations and similar
• Electrocardiography (ECG)
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Environmental sensors to detect for example air quality
• Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)
• Photoplethysmography (PPG)
• Wearable sensors continuously monitoring for example blood glucose levels