France has awarded a seven-year contract valued at 3 million euros to SilMach, a tech company based in Besançon, to design a shock-detecting microsensor for bulletproof vests. These sensors will be embedded within the ceramic ballistic plates used in personal protective equipment to help monitor their structural integrity over time.
Ceramic plates, though essential for protection, are prone to cracking from sudden impacts, including accidental drops. This damage often goes unnoticed but can compromise the vest’s ability to shield the wearer effectively. SilMach’s sensor is engineered to detect such impacts and log them for inspection.
The device is completely energy-independent and includes a built-in visual indicator, allowing soldiers to quickly determine if their armor is still safe to use. This innovative solution aims to replace expensive and time-consuming testing procedures, ensuring both safety and cost-efficiency for military forces.
