Design and Manufacturing of Environmental Monitoring Technology

Faced with the need for a more efficient, cost-effective solution to monitor glacial melting, Aarhus University approached Ignitec. In just a few weeks, we delivered 25 fully integrated, tested and ready-to-use water level sensors, streamlining their research process with our expertise in the design and manufacturing of environmental monitoring technology.
Environmental Research Scientific Instrumentation Clean Technology Low volume manufacture Rapid manufacturing
Outcomes
With Ignitec’s assistance, Aarhus University Department of Environmental Science was able to effectively monitor the health and melting of glaciers. The rapid design and manufacturing of this environmental monitoring technology saved extensive manual assembly time and significantly reduced costs.
What we did:
  • Identified the required outputs for a new fully integrated system
  • Designed a piece of low cost sensing hardware to deliver these outputs
  • Water level is measured by capacitance and the device is powered by a 9v battery
  • Manufactured, tested and supplied 25 units within a short timeframe
The Challenge:

Aarhus University Department of Environmental Science conducts critical research on environmental chemistry, atmospheric physics, environmental economics, and much more. Their work has far-reaching implications for our understanding of the environment and our impact on it. One of their challenges was monitoring the health and melting of the northern hemisphere’s glaciers. This involved measuring water levels in boreholes, a task requiring reliable, precise technology.

They had a legacy system that converted a water level logging probe’s readings into voltages recorded by a data logger. The system was hand-assembled by a retired technician, whose absence posed a challenge in terms of building and maintaining these circuits. They needed a robust, cost-effective, and scalable solution, ready for deployment in a challenging environment.

What we did:

After understanding the required outputs and the existing data logger’s functionality, Ignitec set out to design a new, fully integrated system. Our multi-disciplinary team leveraged their extensive knowledge in electronics, software, and design to create a device capable of delivering accurate results under the harsh conditions of the northern hemisphere’s glaciers.

We managed to streamline the previous, complex process by integrating all the functions into one piece of hardware. This hardware not only allowed for easy manufacturing at low volumes but also had the potential to be produced at higher volumes if necessary. Within weeks, we supplied Aarhus University with 25 fully tested, ready-to-use boards.

Results:

The results of our work were immediately tangible. Aarhus University could proceed with their critical research without the worry of circuit construction and maintenance. The new technology allowed for accurate data collection, with lower costs and faster turnaround times. The delivered units were robust, ready to face the challenging environment, and required minimal weatherproofing. The university could now focus on their research, knowing their technology needs were well catered for by Ignitec.

Explore the benefits of working with us
Some of the leading organisations who trust us

Our track record

Years established

Projects delivered

Clients served

Global network
What our clients say about us

"I had the opportunity to develop several concepts with Ignitec over the past 12 months. Ben provided a base (at the Ignitec offices) for us to really get creative and produce together some really next generation designs for Creo Medical. The Ignitec team have all been a pleasure to work alongside over the past 12 months and I wish them all the very best. I look forward to our paths crossing again soon for further collaborations!"

Tom Craven
Head of Design - Creo Medical Group PLC

"It has been a pleasure working with Ignitec. Their creativity has really helped add another dimension to our project, whilst their ability to rapidly and accurately sketch and bring our concept to life has enabled the project to comfortably meet a tight deadline. I would definitely work with Ignitec again and would happily recommend them."

Jeff Birkin
Managing Director - Ultramarine Safety ltd

"Thanks for being so attentive this year and getting things done so quickly for us... It's been really helpful to have someone experienced we can call on."

Dan Stead
Head of Hardware - Smartbox Assistive Technology ltd

"Thank you for all your help this year - there are many happy people receiving gloves this Christmas 🙂"

Adam Stark
Managing Director at Mi.Mu Gloves Limited

"I cannot recommend Ignitec highly enough - truly world class, extremely impressive creativity, professional, easy to work with, great value add ideas and very fast. I have no hesitation at all in endorsing Ignitec and look forward to working with them again on the next project."

Alan Woodhouse
CEO Cambridge Start-up ltd

  • It's rare to find a company so driven to please its customers. Ignitec have bent over backwards to help us get our fledgling product off the ground. The project hasn't... read more

    Zeke Steer Avatar Zeke Steer
    3rd August 2023

    Jeevika Sahajwani Avatar Jeevika Sahajwani
    23rd June 2023

    Ben and his team are just brilliant. In terms of quality, cost and every other important metric, Ignitec really deliver. Every encounter becomes a discussion with loads of good advice... read more

    UltraMarine Safety Avatar UltraMarine Safety
    17th May 2023
  • Ben and his team are just brilliant. In terms of quality, cost and every other important metric, Ignitec really deliver. Every encounter becomes a discussion with loads of good advice... read more

    UltraMarine Safety Avatar UltraMarine Safety
    17th May 2023

    Florencio Cabrera Fernandez Avatar Florencio Cabrera Fernandez
    14th April 2023

    I have worked with the Ignitec team for several years on many different projects and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of truly creative ideas and cutting edge... read more

    Christian Thorne Avatar Christian Thorne
    14th August 2022
  • Peter Bonnington Avatar Peter Bonnington
    14th June 2022

    Great guy's very friendly professional organisation

    Kev Parkin Avatar Kev Parkin
    14th June 2020

    A great company to work for with some of the best talent in the design industry.

    Dean Challis Avatar Dean Challis
    14th June 2019

Get a quote now

Ready to discuss your challenge and find out how we can help? Our rapid, all-in-one solution is here to help with all of your electronic design, software and mechanical design challenges. Get in touch with us now for a free quotation.

Want a Custom Solution for Environmental Monitoring?

Ignitec can design and manufacture environmental monitoring technology tailored to your research needs. Experience the same speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness as Aarhus University. Get in touch with us today!