Dr David Sweeney
Commercialisation Lead
Developing the next generation of gas sensing
Wren Sensing is developing an optical platform for methane, carbon dioxide and ethylene sensing. Our focus is on demanding measurement problems and the development work needed to assess sensing in practical applications.
Current stage: field testing
Methane and carbon dioxide: on-farm livestock field trials. Ethylene: controlled atmosphere fruit storage target.
Why a wren?
For decades, miners relied on canaries to warn them of carbon monoxide. Our name comes from another small bird, the Australian fairy-wren, always alert to its surroundings. We are bringing that idea of a small, quiet observer to modern optical sensing, starting with methane and carbon dioxide in agriculture and with ethylene in fruit storage.
We aim to make specialised sensing useful by connecting scientific development to a clear measurement need: what gas needs to be measured, under which conditions and what the result needs to establish.
Our team
The people developing Wren Sensing.
Team
Dr Christopher Betters
Engineering Lead
Dr Alison Wong
Data Analysis Lead
Bina Rajan
Engineer
Matteo Colombo
Scientist
Advisors
Prof Sergio Leon-Saval
Advisor
Prof Peter Tuthill
Advisor
Prof Maryanne Large
Advisor
Dr Donald Dansereau
Advisor
Collaborators and support
Organisations involved in our research and development.
Research foundations
Our sensor technology is powered by University of Sydney research into fibre Bragg grating optical methods.
Each sensor is tested automatically against calibrated gas canisters, and we run selectivity tests with interfering gases present. Our on-farm field trials involve cattle and sheep.
Development through collaboration
We welcome funded joint development, technology integration and research evaluation.
A collaboration begins with the measurement problem, a review of technical fit and evidence, then an agreed project scope where there is a fit.
Tell us about your measurement challenge
Bring a gas measurement problem, a proposed integration or a research question with a relevant test setting. A short outline without confidential details is enough to begin.
For licensing, company investment or another enquiry, contact the team.