Four technological projects were awarded by CATA’s Applied Research Fund

Within the framework of the Applied Research Fund of the Center for Astrophysics and Related Technologies (CATA), four projects have been selected to receive funding, thus ensuring the continuity of their development.

The Center for Astrophysics and Related Technologies (CATA), through its Applied Research Fund, awarded four projects that applied to the competitive fund published by CATA. The evaluation process of the proposals was carried out by an Evaluation Committee to determine their admissibility as well as the selection criteria established in the bases, considering their quality, impact, innovation, scientific viability, appropriability and technological transfer potentials.

Of the projects submitted, four technologies were awarded the funds, including:

MAGIC (Magnetic Induction Communication): project presented by Franco Curotto, CATA Project Manager and supervisor of the Millimeter Wave Laboratory at the University of Chile. This communication system operates in environments without internet access, GPS or wireless means, allowing the sending of text messages through hundreds of meters of solid material by means of magnetic induction. Unlike similar technologies, MAGIC is characterized by its lightness, accessibility and efficiency.

Characterization of industrial products using microwaves: Led by Rodrigo Reeves, from the Astronomical Instrumentation Laboratory. This technology enables the precise and real-time measurement of critical parameters, such as humidity in industrial products, addressing a cross-cutting challenge that affects sectors such as wood, food and other high-demand items.

Volume measurement system by surface photogrammetry: Project presented by Felipe Gutiérrez, from the Millimeter Wave Laboratory of the University of Chile. It consists of a system for estimating the volume of grains stored in sheds by means of surface photogrammetry. This technique, non-invasive and simple, allows the generation of three-dimensional models from images captured from different aerial perspectives.

Finally, Radio Visión: An augmented reality camera that can locate cell phones and reveal their location in a video image in real time. This system can be used to confiscate phones in prisons, putting an end to scams, “the uncle’s tale”, and in general, part of organized crime. The driving force behind this technology is Diego Gallardo, from the Millimeter Wave Laboratory of the University of Chile.

All these projects are currently being processed for continuity and development with the CATA R&D Fund.