ADAPTRONICA is a small company performing research & development activities in the field of intelligent technologies, which can be applied in many areas of engineering e.g. in the space and aviation sectors. The company also offers consultancy services and products, related to the R&D activities.
We are a small spin-out company, with the roots in the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research PAS in Warsaw. The majority of staff are highly-qualified engineers, strongly motivated to implement innovative technological solutions in various areas of engineering. The team includes a few experts with PhD in technical sciences.
Intelligent technologies encompass interdisciplinary technological solutions, combining elements of mechanics, electronics and vibroacoustics. The solutions are based on intelligent materials , e.g. piezoelectric materials in terms of hardware and on up-to-date or in-house-developed analyzing & control algorithms in terms of software.
Applications of intelligent technologies allow for improvement of the reliability of engineering structures (e.g. airplanes, vehicles, bridges) during their lifetime on the one hand and for preserving their integrity in extreme situations on the other. This goes in line with the requirements of safety engineering..
Adaptronica is the leader of the consortium, which carries out an international research project within the framework of the European Program Eurostars 2, through the National Center for Research and Development in Poland. Project title: “SOFTLAND – Airbag system for increasing the small aircraft safety during emergency landing”, E113407.
Partner: Zall Jihlavan Airplanes s.r.o. , Czech Republic
Adaptronica is the leader of the consortium, which carries out a national research project within the framework of the Operational Program Intelligent Development, Sectorial R&D Programs, INNOSBZ, managed by the National Center for Research and Development. Project title: “ADBAG – Adaptive airbags for emergency landing of unmanned aerial vehicles”, POIR.01.02.00-00-0083/16.
The ADBAG project aims at development of an adaptive airbag system for a drone weighing up to 10 kg. The task of the adaptive airbag is twofold. First, the adaptive airbag system protects people or ground infrastructure from being struck by the drone in the event of its failure. Second, it protects against the destruction of the drone itself. This is especially important when there is valuable equipment or data on the board.
The adaptability of the system to be developed consists in adapting the airbag mode to the anticipated kinetic energy of the drone right before the impact with an object. Thanks to this feature, the system provides smooth landing for falls from different heights.
The adaptive airbag system, developed for the drone, can be rescaled for use in other aircraft of larger mass e.g. in the ULL-class ultralight aircraft.
Partner: Ster-Kom Piotr Kleczyński.
Adaptronica is the leader of the consortium, which carries out a national research project within the framework of the Operational Program Intelligent Development, Sectorial R&D Programs, INNOLOT, managed by the National Center for Research and Development. Project title: “COMPRESS – Light composite aero-structures based on new manufacturing techniques including prestress”, POIR.01.02.00-00-0027/15.
The aim of the COMPRESS project is to study the non-autoclave methods of producing composite structures that improve the quality of the components of the ULL-class ultralight aircrafts. In addition, the research includes the structural health monitoring issues during operation, thanks to deformation sensors integrated with or attached to the structure.
The developed methods of composite manufacturing can also be used for other structural elements, not only in the aerospace industry.
Partner: BELLA Zakład Kompozytów sp. z o.o.
MODO – a unit for measurement and assessment of dynamic response of operated railway bridge structures. National research project within the framework of the Applied Research Program, managed by the National Center for Research and Development PBS3/B9/36/2015
Partnerzy: Instytut Badawczy Dróg i Mostów | Instytut Podstawowych Problemów Techniki PAN | Politechnika Poznańska | PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A.
EU research project for the benefit of SMEs (2012-2014) – Bridge Safety Monitoring – BRIDGEMON FP7-SME-2012, 315629.
EU focused research project (2011-2014) – Smart maintenance and analysis of transport infrastructure – SMART RAIL, FP7-SST-2011-RTD-1, 285683.
Innovative system for detecting leaks and optimal control in water networks, based on remotely transmitted measurement data. National research project within the framework of the Applied Research Program, managed by the National Center for Research and Development PBS1/B9/15/2012.
Adaptronica sp. z o.o. is a member of the consortium, which has been carrying out the project entitled „Adaptive aerostats reinforced by supporting structures SDT (Self Deployable Tensegrity) for multi-thematic Earth observation (Aero-SDT)”, within TANGO IV program, managed by NCBiR, TANGO-IV-C/0001/2019-00.
Partners: Instytut Podstawowych Problemów Techniki PAN | Geosystems sp. z o.o |
Adaptronica Sp. z o.o. carries out a national research project – “ADAC System for stabilization of vibrations in satellite structures”, the Agreement No. 01.02.00-14-5731/16, within the framework of the Regional Operational Program – Mazovia Region 2014-2020, “R&D activity of enterprises”, managed by the Mazovian Center for EU Funds Distribution. Project Total value: 1.390.776,00 PLN. Project Grant value: 1.023.360,00 PLN. Project Duration: 2017-2018.
The ADAC project aims at development of a solution to stabilize the vibrations of satellite and spacecraft structures, both orbiters and landers. The ADAC solution is based on the PAR (Prestress-Accumulation/Release) concept of damping of vibrations induced by an impact on skeletal structures. It takes advantage of an innovative adaptive clutch, which allows for quick switching from the frame to truss mode of node operation.
With ADAC, the satellite structure and the optical or measuring devices installed on it, will have a longer lifespan and more accuracy. The most important result of the project will be the implementation of the ADAC system. Adaptronica plans to enter the chain of suppliers of the space industry large integrators, extend international activities and increase the competitiveness of the Polish space sector.
The proposed ADAC solution is primarily a response to the needs of the space industry. However, it can also find other terrestrial applications such as image stabilization, vibration damping of industrial machines or equipment in bioengineering.
Innowacyjne technologie dla poprawy bezpieczeństwa małego lotnictwa SWING (Safe-Wing), 2012-2015. Projekt współfinansowany ze środków finansowych pochodzących z Unii Europejskiej w ramach Programu Operacyjnego Innowacyjna Gospodarka. POIG.01.04.00-14-100/09
LIVE-I – Lightening and Innovating transmission for improving Vehicle Environmental Impacts – European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019, grant agreement No. 860243.
EU Marie Curie Actions – Industry-Academia and Pathways (2012-2015) – Smart Technologies for Transport Safety – Innovation Cluster Nesting – SMART NEST. FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IAPP, 284995
The semi-active system for vibration suppression, the so called PA–R System (Prestress Accumulation – Release) is a combination of the vibration damping strategy and the implementation of this strategy in the form of an adaptive clutch. Taking advantage of the Prestress Accumulation–Release (PA–R) strategy, over 95 % of the vibration amplitude can be attenuated in only few cycles of oscillation, by appropriate switching of PAR Nodes to compliant mode of operation. The adaptive clutches of appropriate size can be installed in frame-truss structures to modify the response. A vibration sensor and a dedicated controller adjust stiffness of adaptive clutches in order to achieve superb vibration suppression without providing external mechanical energy into the structure. Only the electrical power for the system is necessary. The efficiency of the PA–R system was presented in an example of the demonstrator structure in the form of a cantilever frame with a length of about 1.20 m.
Main advantages of the PA–R System:
The adaptive clutch is a mechanical interface between structural members, capable of adjusting the bending moment capability of such an interface. Thanks to the innovative technology and unique design (patented), the adaptive clutch maintains its maximum stiffness in the idle mode of its passive operation. Then it switches to the compliant mode within few milliseconds, completely changing the way loads are transferred through the interface, which means ca. 50 times lower load levels than in the idle mode. The adaptive clutch can bear quite significant moments (ca. 50 Nm) relatively to its compact external dimensions (ca. 10 cm). The dimensions of the adaptive clutch can be both downsized or upsized depending on the application.
Main parameters of an adaptive clutch, elaborated for demonstration, are the following:
Main advantages of the adaptive clutch:
Possible applications:
Portable weigh-in-motion rail device is prepared for identification of parameters of loads exerted on the railway track by moving vehicles. The system developed by Adaptronica allows for weighing trains in motion.
Portable weigh-in-motion rail device makes use of the measurement of rail strain caused by the passing train. The device uses portable transducers (patented), attached to the rail foot in a non-destructive manner. The main components of the measurement system are schematically presented in Fig. 1.
The characteristic feature is that the additional preparation of the ballast and sleeper before the system installation is not required. The installation process of the detectors is fast. Closing the railway line is not necessary.
An important advantage of the system is the use of portable detector mounted on the rail foot by clamping elements, which significantly reduces the installation time and cost. The clamping element is designed in such a way that it can be adjusted to all types of rails. Before installation, additional preparation of the track is not required e.g. hardening of the ballast. A view of the portable weigh-in-motion rail device is presented in Fig. 2.
The basic measurement and diagnostic information related to the weighed rail vehicle are included in the time and amplitude parameters of the recorded measurement signal.
| velocity range of the rail vehicle: | 5 – 100 [km/h], |
| axle load range: | 1000 – 30000 [kg], |
| velocity measurements precision: | ±3[%] dla σ=95[%], |
| axle load measurements precision: | ±5[%] dla σ=95[%], |
| rail car weight measurements precision: | ±5[%] dla σ=95[%], |
| temperature range of device operation: | -20ºC……..+70ºC. |
System AVI of measurement and recording of the touch-down process, elaborated by Adaptronica performs the measurement of vertical speed of an aircraft and its distance from runway during touch-down. The system enables the user to assess the loads acting on the aircraft structure during landing.
The measurement of vertical speed of the aircraft and its distance from runway utilizes a transmitting-receiving ultrasonic head as well as targeted aquisition and signal analysis. The transmitting-receiving head allows for improving the ratio of the analyzed signal to noise level generated by the aircraft in flight.
The level of loads acting on the aicraft structure during touch-down is measured by an accelerometer placed in a preselected spot on the aircraft.
Thanks to aquisition and storage of measurement data on SD card, the system AVI provides better assessment of pilot skills based on recording of the touch-down process. It also enables monitoring of structural fatigue.
AVI can be applied on ultralight and light aircrafts and can be also adapted for unmanned aicraft vehicles.
The advantages of the AVI system are the following:
The main application of the vibration recorder is to take and store measurements of vibrations occurring in heavy-duty constructions and installations during their exploitation. The device elaborated by Adaptronica sp. z o.o. allows for taking measurements in harsh ambient conditions. The vibration recorder is equipped with a 3-axial accelerometer merged with an accompanying cable, which facilitates the installation. The acquired data with proper time signature are stored on SD card of maximum capacity 32 GB. The recorder can be powered through dedicated power supply or through batteries.
Technical data:
We offer services in vibroacoustics, that is noise and vibration inspections, as well as in structural health monitoring.
We possess a professionally equipped laboratory with special test stands for vibroacoustics and shock resilience.
Adaptronica offers flights using tethered aerostats, which enable lifting of multi-task payload, not exceeding 10 kg mass, to the height of 50-600 m above the ground. The payload is typically a camera, a set of sensors or an advertisement banner. The aerostats manufactured by Adaptronica are characterized by excellent aerodynamics, resulting in stable operation in the air over the tether fixing point. More information can be found at the MoniKite website. MoniKite.
We offer the flights by tethered aerostats for the following services::
Vibroacoustic examinations offered by Adaptronica include measurements, recording and analysis of noise and vibrations generated by various sources. Vibroacoustic examinations are performed for diagnostic purposes as well as for assessment of harmful influence of noise and vibrations on structures, machines and human health.
Vibroacoustic services include:
Adaptronica offers systems for condition monitoring of engineering structures such as bridges, viaducts, towers, warehouses. The company has developed and installed customized systems which perform measurements, recordings, signal analysis and remote transmission of data. The purpose of the system is to monitor the condition of a structure by examining quantities like acceleration, deflection, strain, angle of inclination as well as environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure. The system provides both local storage of the measured signals for archiving purposes but also on-line, remote viewing of parameters processed in the analysis. In order to increase the reliability of the systems, Adaptronica utilizes hardware by renowned world brands such as Bruel & Kjaer or National Instruments. Depending on the needs and expectations of the client, systems are always configured individually.
An example of a system, implemented by Adaptronica on an engineering structure is the system for monitoring of acceleration levels on suspension rods of the railway viaduct in Huta Zawadzka (Fig. 1 above). Bruel & Kjaer transducers, National Instruments controller and measurement cards, and Telium wireless transmission module were used.
The following parameters of the measurement system were adopted:
Sensors were mounted in a non-invasive way on some suspension rods of the bridge. In order to obtain the degree of environmental protection IP65 for the measurement system, the cables were placed in protective coatings and the sensors were located in hermetic housings.
Measured acceleration signals were stored in the local memory of the system for one month. Every five minutes, the selected measurement results, such as the maximum and average (RMS) values, were sent to the server.
The user interface designed for the system (Fig. 2 above) is capable of:
Adaptronica has in its laboratory a unique drop test stand aimed at performing crashworthiness tests and analyzing the resistance of various materials to impact loads. The stand enables performing free drop tests with possible horizontal movement of the platform on which the investigated item is dropped. Additionally, the drop test stand is equipped with a hydraulic ram e.g. to perform crumple tests.
The impact is due to the vertical movement of a trolley of adjustable mass and drop height, which allows for covering the whole range of impact energies. Depending upon the test type, the shape of the impacting element is properly selected. The investigated item may be mounted on the trolley (of vertical or horizontal movement) or on the base stationary plate.
The scheme of the drop test stand indicating major components is depicted below.
Technical parameters
Possible measurements,
Examples of use of the drop test stand:
Our high-tech hardware and software include:
Adaptronica sp. z o.o. has launched a web page (in Polish), advertising services with the use of helium tethered aerostats MoniKite. We encourage to get acquainted with our offer http://monikite.pl
Since June 2023, the consortium including KP Labs sp. z o.o. (leader), Politechnika Wrocławska and Adaptronica sp. z o.o. has been carrying out the challenging ESA project entitled „Micro-g disturbance characterization and mitigation in pulsating heat pipes”, 4000141251/23/NL/KML. The work scope of Adaptronica in this contract is related to numerical modelling, measurements and damping of microvibrations, generated by pulsating heat pipes.
The first flight of the SP-BAD balloon, being the property of Adaptronica sp. z o.o., took place on 10th October 2021 in the vicinity of Płońsk. The balloon covered the distance of ca. 15 km within 50 minutes. Some employees of the company get trained to obtain the balloon pilot license.
Adaptronica sp. z o.o., as industrial partner, commercializes the result of the R&D project Tango 2 – a helium tethered aerostat. Positive tests have been carried out in KEZO Research Center of PAS in Jabłonna near Warsaw.
Adaptronica sp. z o.o. is a member of the consortium, which will be carrying out the project entitled „Adaptive aerostats reinforced by supporting structures SDT (Self Deployable Tensegrity) for multi-thematic Earth observation (Aero-SDT)”, within TANGO 4 program, NCBiR. The leader of the consortium is Institute of Fundamental Technological Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Adaptronica sp. z o.o. is a member of the consortium, which has signed an agreement with the European Commission for realization of the project LIVE-I – „Lightening and innovating transmission for improving vehicle environmental impacts”, within Horizon 2020 program, Marie Curie fellowships, H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019. The leader of the consortium is Ecole Centrale de Lyon, France.
Adaptronica has joined the Silesian Aerospace Cluster. More informations: https://aerosilesia.eu/
Adaptronica sp. z o.o. has finished the realization of the project “ADBAG – Adaptive airbags for emergency landing of unmanned aerial vehicles”, POIR.01.02.00-00-0083/16, financed through the National Center for Research and Development.
Adaptronica sp. z o.o. has signed an agreement with the National Center for Research and Development for realization of the project SOFTLAND – „Airbag system for increasing the small aircraft safety during emergency landing”, within Eurostars-2 program, E! 113407. The project will be carried out in co-operation with Zall Jihlavan Airplanes s.r.o., Czech Republic.
Adaptronica has signed a contract with the European Space Agency for realization of the project „TRL6 upgrade of Active Vibration Cancellation System for cryocooler microvibrations”. The contract will be carried out in co-operation with Thales Alenia Space France.
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