National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology

The National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (INSAT) is Tunisia's premier public engineering and technology institution, recognized for its advanced, application-oriented research and training. INSAT brings targeted expertise in multidisciplinary engineering for next-generation smart sensor platforms, with a strong focus on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Digital Twin technologies.

Our contribution is anchored in a synergistic collaboration between our Department of Computer Science and Telecommunications, which specializes in AI/ML algorithms, edge computing, IoT communication protocols, and data fusion, and our Departments of Industrial Engineering and Applied Chemistry/Physics, which provide foundational expertise in sensor fabrication, signal processing, and systems integration.

Specific Expertise for Smart Sensor Platform Development:

1. AI/ML for Sensor Intelligence & Reliability:

   • Development of embedded and cloud-based ML models for predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and drift correction of sensor arrays, significantly enhancing long-term reliability and reducing false positives/negatives.

   • Implementation of sensor fusion algorithms to intelligently combine data from heterogeneous sensor types (electrochemical, optical, physical), creating a more robust and accurate picture of the monitored environment.

   • Use of adaptive calibration techniques powered by AI to compensate for environmental variables (e.g., temperature, pH) and matrix effects in complex real-world samples.

2. Digital Twin for Sensor Development & Deployment:

   • Creation of high-fidelity digital twins of sensor systems and their deployment environments. This enables virtual testing, optimization, and predictive performance modeling under various scenarios before physical prototyping and field deployment.

   • Use of digital twins for lifelong sensor management, simulating aging processes and failure modes to inform design improvements and proactive maintenance schedules.

   • Integration of real-time sensor data streams into the digital twin to create a dynamic, living model for scenario analysis, system control, and operator training.

3. End-to-End Platform Engineering:

   • Expertise in designing the full sensor-to-decision pipeline, from low-power hardware design and edge AI implementation to secure cloud architecture and user-centric dashboard development.

   • Proven capability in IoT system integration, ensuring reliable data acquisition, transmission (using LPWAN, 5G), and interoperability within larger cyber-physical systems.

INSAT’s role is to provide the critical digital intelligence layer that transforms traditional sensing hardware into a smart, adaptive, and highly reliable monitoring platform. We are prepared to lead or co-lead work packages related to AI/ML integration, digital twin development, data management, and the systemic validation of the smart sensor platform's performance and resilience.