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Progress Report on Prototype Testing: Successful Validation of Key Features for EU Market Entry

This project has been developed by Upwis from Sweden and Arne Jensen AB. Customer and evaluator is AGFW, Germany District Heating Association. And it´s been monitored by Mobile Heights.

In a recent test installation conducted in Germany, significant progress was made in addressing technical and operational questions regarding the functionality of a new prototype system designed for European markets. The test aimed to evaluate the compatibility of the system with current 4G network infrastructure, acoustic functions, and the integration of existing sensors and actuators.

4G Network Timing and Operation Verified

One of the key challenges facing the project was the uncertainty around the system's performance on 4G networks in Germany. These questions were critical as they would determine the system’s ability to operate effectively across Europe, where 4G infrastructure varies. The good news: these concerns were fully resolved, with all timing and operational parameters validated as functioning correctly. This marks a major milestone for the system's potential deployment in Germany and other EU countries.

Acoustic Functions: Partial Success and Room for Improvement

Another area of focus was the system’s acoustic functions, which are central to its overall performance. While some challenges remain, the new hardware was found to work effectively with the existing sensors and actuators, providing valuable input for the next generation of microphones. Though the system requires further development, the groundwork for new actuators has been laid, paving the way for future advancements in the product’s sound-based functionalities.

Prototype Evaluation: Promising Performance with Refinements Needed

The prototype itself performed admirably during the test, with approximately 70% of the required work completed. The remaining 30% involves fine-tuning the interaction between the hardware and software, which is expected to be completed in Sweden. Maturity testing will further refine the system’s capabilities, bringing it closer to full-scale production readiness.

EU Market Potential and Technical Validation

The most critical takeaway from the installation is that the prototype's design has been confirmed as viable for export to Germany and other EU countries. This affirmative result answers a key business question about the product's future in the European market. Moreover, several underlying technical issues—only verifiable on customer sites—were addressed, providing crucial insights for future development phases.

Conclusion: A Major Step Toward European Market Expansion

The test installation in Germany has provided essential validation for the future of this innovative product. With the major questions about network compatibility and export viability answered, the project is now poised to enter the final stages of development. The next steps will focus on refining the system in Sweden, ensuring that both hardware and software are perfectly aligned before moving toward full market deployment. This successful test marks a significant leap forward in preparing the product for widespread use across Europe.

 

About Silicon Eurocluster

The Silicon Eurocluster project aims to achieve greater European self-sufficiency, with increased competitiveness and resilience in the electronics value chain, with specific attention to SMEs.

 

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”