Sensor Testing in Harsh Environments
Modern sensing systems are becoming smaller, more integrated, and more capable. At the same time, their real-world performance increasingly depends on how well they withstand environmental exposure.
We support developers in evaluating sensors and sensor-related components under harsh conditions such as icing, erosion, contamination, and optical degradation.
Why Sensor Testing Matters
High-performance sensing systems often depend on exposed functional surfaces, small apertures, precise calibration, and stable environmental conditions.
In practice, performance can be degraded by:
- ice accretion and frost formation
- rain, snow, and particle impact
- optical occlusion, scattering, or distortion
- contamination of windows, housings, or ports
- thermal and environmental stress on system integration
This is especially relevant for modern camera, LiDAR, radar, and probe-based systems, where even small environmental effects can reduce accuracy, reliability, or availability. Snow and icing can degrade LiDAR through attenuation, backscatter, false detections, and surface contamination, while weather stressors can also impair broader autonomous sensing performance. Camera quality is likewise affected by occlusion, soiling, optical faults, sensor faults, and visibility conditions. (MDPI)
Smaller Systems, Higher Sensitivity
Miniaturization does not automatically mean lower robustness. In many areas, sensor technologies have improved significantly in harsh environments. However, highly integrated and miniaturized systems often become more sensitive at the application level because packaging, calibration, optical access, and exposed interfaces leave less tolerance for environmental disturbance. Reliability and performance therefore depend not only on the sensing principle, but on the entire system design. (MDPI)
Relevant Sensor Types
We support testing and evaluation of a wide range of sensing systems and related components, including:
- camera-based systems
- LiDAR and optical ranging systems
- radar-related exposed components and covers
- pitot probes and air data sensors
- pressure, temperature, and humidity sensors
- optical windows, covers, and housings
This includes both direct sensor testing and testing of the components that protect or enable sensor functionality.
Typical Environmental Challenges
Depending on the application, we investigate effects such as:
- icing on exposed sensor surfaces
- blockage of pressure ports and probe openings
- loss of visibility through optical windows or covers
- degradation of performance due to rain or particle erosion
- contamination and runback effects on sensor-adjacent surfaces
These effects can be critical for autonomous systems, flight control, perception, and measurement reliability.
How We Support Sensor Development
Our testing supports both early-stage understanding and application-driven validation.
This includes:
- identification of environmentally critical sensor components
- comparison of different geometries, covers, coatings, and housings
- evaluation of icing, erosion, and optical degradation effects
- support for development of protection concepts such as heating or surface treatments
Because many sensing systems are still evolving quickly, early testing is often the most efficient way to identify critical risks before expensive redesigns become necessary.
Relevant Industries
Sensor testing in harsh environments is relevant across multiple industries, including:
- Aerospace and aviation
(e.g. air data systems, probes, optical systems, exposed sensors) - UAV, drone, and eVTOL systems
(e.g. perception systems, air data sensing, compact sensor housings) - Automotive and mobility
(e.g. cameras, LiDAR, radar-adjacent components, weather-exposed sensing systems) - Defense and dual-use systems
(e.g. mission-critical sensing in harsh and variable environments) - Rail, energy, and infrastructure
(e.g. exposed monitoring systems and optical sensing equipment) - Optics and instrumentation developers
(e.g. windows, covers, housings, and measurement devices)
Optical and laser-based sensing systems are known to be sensitive to environmental conditions in several sectors, including mobility and infrastructure monitoring. (MDPI)
Related Topics
For related capabilities and applications, see:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only test complete sensors?
No. We also test exposed elements that determine sensor performance, such as housings, covers, windows, probe geometries, and protective concepts.
Is this only about icing?
No. Icing is one important challenge, but rain, snow, contamination, erosion, and optical degradation can also be critical.
Is this relevant only for aerospace?
No. The same environmental robustness questions apply to automotive, defense, rail, energy, and other outdoor sensing applications.
Can this support early-stage development?
Yes. Early testing is often the most effective way to identify weak points in sensor concepts and protection strategies.