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.

Find Out How We Can Help – Contact Us for Expert Guidance on Your Next Project

Years established

Projects delivered

Clients served

  • Prompt and punctual online meeting with a well briefed knowledgeable listener, what more could wanted?

    peter Avatar peter
    17th December 2025

    Great service in designing, prototyping and initial manufacture of a few units of a small electromechanical unit. The project was delivered on time and Ignitec were able to provide... read more

    Barney Eley Avatar Barney Eley
    17th December 2025

    Quick response. Very informative first meeting. Very interested to continue with you

    Kamal Okasha Avatar Kamal Okasha
    10th December 2025
  • Outstanding service — highly professional, incredibly responsive, and consistently flexible in adapting to the needs.

    Davis Yeung Avatar Davis Yeung
    13th November 2025

    Highly recommend! Great work, professional, and friendly.

    Matt Jackson Avatar Matt Jackson
    23rd October 2025

    Ignitec assisted us in taking a prototype through the design phase to manufacturing. Their expertise in electrical design was evident, and the communication through collaborative tools was excellent, effectively bringing... read more

    Alex Tweed Avatar Alex Tweed
    10th October 2025
  • I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the team at Ignitec for the invaluable support they have provided—not only to me personally but also to the Somerset Sight... read more

    Tim Cullen Avatar Tim Cullen
    11th September 2025

    So we have been more than happy with James’s work. There was not a question that he couldn’t answer. a very experienced man worth every penny. I would definitely Recommend... read more

    Elliott Spokes Avatar Elliott Spokes
    29th August 2025

    Thank you James and Ignitec for the great work on our project! Communication and planning was brilliant to name a few of the great aspects working with you! Will definitely be... read more

    Kadir Acik Avatar Kadir Acik
    28th August 2025
  • Very professional and friendly consultation

    Bh 11 Avatar Bh 11
    24th July 2025

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We worked with this product design company to to help take our project to the next level, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. They truly understood our... read more

    Darryl Samuel Avatar Darryl Samuel
    21st July 2025

    I've had the absolute pleasure of working with Ignitec in Bristol for both mechanical and electrical design and development, and I genuinely can't recommend them highly enough. From the outset,... read more

    simon Sixsmith Avatar simon Sixsmith
    9th July 2025
  • An outstanding mechatronics consulting firm—proactive, provides excellent service, and is highly recommended.

    Law Samuel Avatar Law Samuel
    4th June 2025

    Ignitec has consistently exceeded expectations with the services they've delivered. The quality of their work has been outstanding, and their communication throughout every stage of development has been exceptional. Their dedication... read more

    Marcus Parker Avatar Marcus Parker
    3rd June 2025

    Ignitec's friendly, professional team delivered our project on time despite a tight deadline and provided great support throughout. Highly recommended!

    L&Ts Avatar L&Ts
    8th May 2025
  • Great people, excellent knowledge

    Ben Bright Avatar Ben Bright
    28th February 2025

    James, Ben and everyone at Ignitec are great to work with. Super helpful, great communication, and a nice easy development process. Highly recommended!

    Ian Stevens Avatar Ian Stevens
    24th February 2025

    It has been a pleasure to work with Ignitec. The service has been professional and carried out to a very high standard. Communication has been great, and prototype hardware has... read more

    Kieran Tyrrell Avatar Kieran Tyrrell
    10th February 2025
  • The engineers at Ignitec are outstanding. They truly grasp your requirements and work diligently alongside you to ensure you’re thrilled with the final outcome. I highly recommend Ignitec!

    Michael Stevens Avatar Michael Stevens
    18th December 2024

    Ignitec have been an absolute joy to work with. They've exceeded our expectations every step of the way. We can't recommend them highly enough.

    Charles Wren Avatar Charles Wren
    17th December 2024

    James worked his ass off to get our project done

    Luke Cox Avatar Luke Cox
    26th September 2024
  • Great engineers who understand your needs and work with you to make sure you’re happy with the end result, I would highly recommend Ignitec!

    N Y Avatar N Y
    3rd August 2024

    It's been a great experience working with the product design teams at Ignitec over the last 9 years or so who are totally professional in everything they do. They come... read more

    Ian Fisher Avatar Ian Fisher
    18th July 2024

    Great team to work with. Real can-do attitude and lots of great suggestions. Thanks!

    Tom Marshall-Andrews Avatar Tom Marshall-Andrews
    28th February 2024
  • Ignitec were great to work with - they helped us from concept through to the delivery of the project, with great attention to detail and weekly check-ins that kept us... read more

    Adam Stark Avatar Adam Stark
    16th February 2024

    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

    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
  • 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

    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
IMG 3362 (1)

Get started

Our expert team is here to help with all of your electronic design, software and mechanical design challenges. Get in touch with us now for more information and a free review of your requirements.

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!


    File upload (max 20MB)