Kryton International Inc. has acquired a 30 per cent interest in Sensohive Technologies ApS of Odense, Denmark. Kryton will be the exclusive North American distributor of Sensohive’s Maturix technology, which uses advanced sensors and software enabling contractors and engineers to wirelessly monitor the concrete hardening process in real time from virtually any internet-connected device.

“Sensohive’s Maturix technology represents a significant leap forward in construction efficiency and productivity,” said Kryton’s president and CEO, Kari Yuers. “The ability to monitor concrete strength in real time from remote locations helps expedite faster construction schedules, optimizing efficiencies, reducing costs and improving safety.”

Maturix technology runs on the Sigfox 0G network with sensor batteries that last for up to 10 years. Conventional single-use concrete sensors on the market today collect data through Bluetooth NFC transmitted to a phone or device or through a wireless gateway. This typically requires a person to visit the jobsite and be near the sensor to take the Bluetooth reading and send updates.

Maturix uses thermocouples and reusable temperature sensors providing real-time connectivity and remote monitoring of concrete maturity and strength. Data is automatically collected every 10 minutes and transmitted wirelessly to the cloud with information available in various report formats.

Sensohive’s wireless sensors have been used in numerous European construction projects including major projects built by PASCHAL GmbH, VolkerWessels, Heidelberg Cement, NCC, Skanska and Kruse Smith, among others.

With the advent of smart buildings and smart cities, planners, designers and engineers are now taking an evidence-based approach to urban design and construction, which this type of technology can provide.

“Smart buildings are not going to be built without smart sensors,” said Yuers. “And any major structure or project being built today starts with concrete.”