Quantum sensors pave the way for innovation in sensing technology. They are set to revolutionise a variety of sectors, spanning from health care to space and defence. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is at the forefront of quantum sensor development, aiming to commercialise the technology for the benefit of many. The research institute strongly believes that broader adoption of quantum technologies has a strong and positive societal and environmental impact.

In the coming months, the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU’s) Transition of Quantum Sensing (TQS) program will demonstrate the military utility of quantum sensors to address strategic Joint Force competencies like positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), as well as anomaly detection. Significant progress on the scientific understanding and product development of quantum sensors, offering the promise of significant improvements in precision, accuracy, and sensitivity compared to classical sensors, is being made, and these solutions, as well as the supporting companies advancing these technologies, are ready to proceed forward.

Now, scientists are attempting to make a motion sensor so precise it could minimize the nation's reliance on global positioning satellites. Until recently, such a sensor—a thousand times more sensitive than today's navigation-grade devices—would have filled a moving truck. But advancements are dramatically shrinking the size and cost of this technology.