As part of the lecture series celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Department of Physics at the University of Aveiro (Dfis-UA), HBK FiberSensing hosted a session that brought together around 30 participants, including students, researchers and faculty members.

Founded in Porto and with a strong international presence, the company presented its journey and main areas of activity, highlighting the development of solutions based on fiber optic sensors, with applications in the monitoring of structures and systems.

Fiber optic-based technology

At the core of the company’s activity are fiber optic sensors, which enable precise, real-time monitoring of structures and systems.

In addition to the sensors, the company also develops its own equipment (interrogators) to read and analyze the collected data, ensuring reliable and consistent results.

Key advantages of this technology include:

• Ability to operate in demanding environments, such as high humidity, pressure or high-voltage conditions
• Reduced cabling requirements, simplifying installation
• Capability to monitor large-scale structures
• High accuracy in data collection

Applications in strategic sectors

HBK FiberSensing’s technology is applied across multiple sectors:

• Monitoring of tunnels and bridges, such as the Gothenburg tunnel and the Wolin bridge (Poland)
• Onshore and offshore wind farms, enabling the assessment of turbine integrity and lifespan
• Railway systems, particularly pantographs
• Energy sector, with solutions for temperature and vibration monitoring
• Medical and surgical applications, including precision robotics

Competitive advantages and challenges

Although FBG sensors have a higher initial cost compared to traditional electrical sensors, they become highly competitive in large-scale projects due to efficiency in installation and maintenance.

Looking ahead

HBK FiberSensing is focused on democratizing this technology by developing more accessible solutions through integrated photonics and reducing the cost of interrogators. The goal is to expand its use to more conventional applications while maintaining leadership in high-performance solutions.

The session provided a valuable opportunity for direct interaction between the academic community and industry, fostering knowledge sharing and bringing students closer to the opportunities and challenges of the job market.