The technology company Sensonor develops and manufactures gyro sensors and motion sensors for satellites, rockets, helicopters, cameras, humanoids and other advanced devices that need stabilization and control.

– Our sensors can be compared to the movement organ you have inside your ear. When you put on such a sensor on various equipment, you get the information you need to both control and stabilize your movements , says Hans Richard Petersen, Vice President of Product Development and Marketing at Sensonor.

FROM SILICON VALLEY TO SKOPPUM

Since its inception in 1985 in Horten, Sensonor has developed and delivered advanced sensors to some of the most innovative technology companies in the world.

– It is a great recognition for us when companies from Silicon Valley show up at our door and stay here for several days to specify products they need us to deliver. The fact that they cannot find that technology anywhere else in the world, but have to come here, is a nice boost for all of us , says Petersen.

Sensonor has contractually agreed with most of its customers that they are not allowed to reveal which companies they work with.

– It's a bit of a shame, because we have perhaps the most "extraterrestrial" customer list in Norway. But many of the customers who come here want to keep us as a well-kept secret, and we have to respect that , says Petersen.

BIG IN SPACE

However, one company that it is no secret that Sensonor works for is NASA. For the sensors of the Hortens company are important in the aerospace industry. The products are included in many of the large rockets that lift satellites up, and are also integrated in several of the systems that will land on the moon. Sensonor also has systems installed on the International Space Station that help monitor the docking of new cargo pods that arrive at the space station with supplies.

" Some people are just going to the moon to show they can do it, and some are going there to mine metal. Whatever they do up there in space, they use our sensors to get there ," says Hans Richard.

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Sensonor has sensors in many arenas, including the American Superbowl being filmed with cameras stabilized with sensors here from Horten. In addition, the company is major in self-driving vehicles that need very accurate precision sensors to navigate.

– There is a lot happening within autonomous vehicles. There we have direct access to the most renowned companies in the world, those who are leading the development. Here, there are also several Hortens companies that are far ahead, especially within marine vessels, with which we collaborate, explains Petersen.

LAW PRIZES THE PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT IN HORTEN

It is no coincidence that Sensonor is located in the old naval town. Horten has a long history of technological development linked to the engineering community and the naval force at Karljohansvern. This has led to the fact that today there are a number of different companies working with advanced technology in the area, and that there are many competent professionals based here.

– In Horten we have a good network between the companies and the university. Since we are not in direct competition with each other, we share information and expertise. It provides a unique environment – and is a strength for our region, says Petersen

COMPETING AGAINST THEMSELVES

Sensonor's development processes often take five years from the time they start discussing new solutions with customers to the delivery of new sensors in a product. There are constantly a number of different projects that have reached different stages of development, which provides a good basis for researching new products.

– We have a goal that we will always be at the forefront. Because we ourselves are the ones who will compete with our products with new and even better products, before others do. It keeps us sharp and innovative, concludes Hans Richard Petersen.