We are excited to announce that the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has approved funding for our new research project “Scalable Acoustic Backscatter Systems in Metal Structures.” The project includes a three-year Ph.D. position and builds on our institute’s recent work: demonstrating that acoustic wireless backscatter communication is feasible in solid metal structures. This follow-up project takes the concept further—scaling it up to larger structures and networks of multiple devices. It aims to develop novel protocols for device discovery, routing, and medium access control (MAC), all optimized for the unique challenges of acoustic signal propagation through metal. The long-term vision: low-cost, maintenance-free sensor networks embedded directly into civil infrastructure—such as bridges, pipelines, ship hulls, or aircraft fuselages—that continuously monitor structural health and enable predictive maintenance. By making these systems smarter and more scalable, we’re helping to pave the way for safer, more reliable infrastructure.
