A SCOTTISH start-up firm behind a device which allows machinery operators to detect faults and cut maintenance costs says its internet of things technology can be the foundation of a multi-million pound turnover business.
Livingston-based Sensor-Works declared the BluVib device has the potential to “revolutionise” asset management in industries such as petrochemicals, renewables, water management and manufacturing.
It predicts the system, developed in conjunction with Censis (Scottish Innovation Centre for Sensor and Imaging Systems) can lift sales at the start up to £300,000 in the next 12 months, with the promise of delivering much more in subsequent years.
Sensor-Works’ managing director Ian Bain said: “BluVib presents a huge opportunity to our business.
“ It has potentially universal application, both in sector and geographical terms, and is a very different proposition to what is already on the market.
“It’s appreciably cheaper, lower power, can be used wirelessly with any kind of device – you’re no locked in to expensive proprietary technologies.”
BluVib connects via Bluetooth to apps on handheld devices, and according to its developer is a more cost-
effective alternative to existing monitoring equipment because of the way it has been designed and manufactured.
It is set to be used at the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre to measure vibrational signatures on specific machines. The data gathered will be used to predict issues such as machine performance in real time.
Mr Bain said strong interest has been shows in the product in the US, adding: “We believe it can take us from start-up stage to the next point in our evolution: we’d be aiming to grow sales from current levels to between £200,000 and £300,000 in the next 12 months.
“Thereafter, supported by Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Start-up Unit, we aim to move on to a multi-million pound turnover in the coming years.”
BluVib is the 50th technology product which Censis has helped companies develop. It helped Bellshill-based FUELlink Systems launch a device which helps fleet operators such as bus companies, hauliers and local councils to track crucial data.
Tech firm says future is bright for machinery faults app
Leo Meng of CENSIS with Sensor-Works' Ian Bain
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