Sensing Without Power — Enabling the Next Wave of Human–Machine Interfaces
ABSTRACT
Zepsor Technologies is redefining the way humans interact with machines by delivering a zero power human–machine interface platform. Our patented micro and nano scale infrared (IR) sensors operate in an “off but alert” state: they consume virtually no energy until they detect a target event. Zepsor’s zero power IR technology provides an instant-on, battery-free trigger for detecting human presence, gestures, or occupancy. The sensor converts a minute amount of captured thermal energy into mechanical motion, closing a microswitch that wakes up or activates a device. This breakthrough enables a new generation of always ready interfaces for wearables (e.g., smart glasses), AR/VR devices, smart home and industrial automation, automotive interiors, security systems, and touch free public infrastructure.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Zhenyun Qian is a co-founder and the CTO of Zepsor Technologies. Dr. Qian received his B.S. degree in Electronic Science and Engineering from Southeast University, Nanjing, China, the M.S. and Ph.D. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Northeastern University, Boston, MA. He has technical expertise in MEMS/NEMS, physical/chemical sensors, wireless sensor systems and semiconductor manufacturing. He has published more than 90 papers in high-impact journals and at premier conferences and holds more than 10 device patents in the field of MEMS/NEMS. He has been the PI/Co-PI of over $10M government research grants. He is one of the inventors of zero-power IR sensors and made critical contributions to the design and development of the first prototypes of the sensor. He thereafter led the efforts on the continuous development of the technology towards commercialization and helped Zepsor raise seed round equity funding. Dr. Qian was selected as a DARPA Riser by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in 2018 and received TechConnect Innovation Award in 2019.