Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Best Practices for Electronic Component Salvaging
Global Citizenship: Together for a Perfect PCB Solution
Smart Automation: Odd-form Assembly—Dedicated Insertion Equipment Matters
Kitron, Appsens Aim to Prevent Stroke with Heart Sensor
December 14, 2020 | KitronEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Appsens developed a product that helps detect heart fibrillation early so that stroke can be avoided. It's also good to use for people with high blood pressure and diabetes. Stroke costs Norwegian society around NOK 8 billion each year. The app and sensor can thus save the state large sums if it helps prevent disease. Kitron supported Appsens in development of robotic production line and industrialization of product.
Kitron and Appsens hope thousands of people at risk will adopt their newly developed sensor and app to reveal heart problems at an early stage. ECG247, as the product is called, was aslo developed in cooperation with researchers from the University of Agder and Sørlandet Hospital Arendal. The goal is for the product to be available to as many people as possible by the country's 5,000 GPs, pharmacists and online stores.
The product is two-piece and consists of a capsule with a sensor and a patch. They are assembled together and fixed on the chest. The heart rate measurement sent continuously to the app on the phone starts and is promptly notified if irregularities are detected.
Kitron has designed a fully automatic production line, where a collaborating robot works with different tools. Kitron has also developed an effective test system for this product. “The heart of Appsens' product lies in electronics. Kitron and Appsens have collaborated on optimizing the design and properties of circuit boards with associated unique and standard components. According to current EU requirements for medical devices (MDD), the sensor is certified, and there have been strict requirements for performance and robustness. The right choice of components has been essential for achieving quality and cost-efficiency," says Stian Haugen, CTO at Kitron Group.
The creators add that there are competitors on the market. Still, their advantage is that the user is immediately notified by the app if something is found wrong.
The sensor electronics are produced by Kitron in Arendal and the enclosure of the Toolmaker in Lillesand. Innovation Norway and Agder Næringsselskap have also contributed to support during the development phase.
"This is a very significant product with great potential. We are pleased that we can be a part of this and have had a great desire to contribute. It is exciting to work with Appsens," says Stian Haugen.
With robotics, Kitron has built up a fully automated production line for Appsens with the possibility of producing a large number of sensors in a short time. Kitron has collaborated with UiA over time and the developers of this project have been recruited from this community.
"It is great that this product, with a few exceptions, has been developed in Southern Norway. It is also produced here," says the Appsens leaders together with Kitron's CTO Stian Haugen.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Panasonic Industry will Double the Production Capacity of MEGTRON Multi-layer Circuit Board Materials Over the Next Five Years
09/15/2025 | Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd.Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd., a Panasonic Group company, announced plans for a major expansion of its global production capacity for MEGTRON multi-layer circuit board materials today. The company plans to double its production over the next five years to meet growing demand in the AI server and ICT infrastructure markets.
VIDEOTON EAS's Bulgarian Subsidiary Expands Into Automotive Products
09/15/2025 | VideotonVEAS Bulgaria, engaged in electronics manufacturing, has joined the ranks of VIDEOTON companies authorized to produce automotive products.
Variosystems Strengthens North American Presence with Southlake Relaunch 2025
09/15/2025 | VariosystemsVariosystems celebrated the relaunch of its U.S. facility in Southlake, Texas. After months of redesign and reorganization, the opening marked more than just the return to a modernized production site—it was a moment to reconnect with our teams, partners, and the local community.
AI-Powered Wearables Transform How Consumers Interact with Everyday Technology
09/15/2025 | PR NewswireThe global demand for AI-driven, touchless wearable technologies is accelerating as consumers seek more natural, seamless and intuitive ways to interact with their devices. Traditional touch screens and voice assistants, while effective, are increasingly viewed as limiting in a world where multitasking, mobility and efficiency are key. As industries from consumer electronics to augmented reality and enterprise computing embrace the possibilities of gesture-based control, the market for neural interfaces is rapidly expanding
Integrating Uniplate PLBCu6 With the Digital Factory Suite
09/12/2025 | Giovanni Obino and Andreas Schatz, MKS' AtotechPrinted circuit board manufacturing is rapidly changing, driven by miniaturization, stringent reliability requirements, and growing pressure for sustainable production. Meeting these challenges requires more than incremental improvements; it demands a combination of precise equipment and real-time process intelligence. The pairing of Uniplate® PLBCu6 with the Digital Factory Suite (DFS) demonstrates how hardware and software can work together to create more responsive, resource-efficient manufacturing.