Metis Engineering launches next-generation CAN-based air quality sensor
UK-developed multi-parameter environmental sensor brings real-time air quality intelligence to vehicles, HVAC systems and beyond
Metis Engineering, the manufacturer of advanced CAN-based sensor solutions, today announces the commercial launch of Air Wise, a next-generation air quality monitoring sensor designed for seamless integration into transport and industrial HVAC systems.
Air Wise delivers comprehensive, real-time measurement of a broad range of environmental parameters including absolute pressure, air temperature, Nitrous Oxides (NOx), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), relative humidity, dew point temperature and impact shock, all transmitted over a configurable CAN bus. Developed and manufactured in the UK to rigorous automotive standards, the sensor is compatible with a wide range of platforms from passenger and commercial vehicles to off-highway machinery, autonomous pods, and compressed air systems.
As regulatory pressure on air quality tightens across transport, construction, agriculture and industrial sectors, Air Wise provides engineers and facility operators with the precise, actionable data needed to support smarter, safer and more sustainable systems. The sensor integrates directly into HVAC CAN Bus systems via its automotive-grade 5-pin Molex Nano-Fit Power connector, with a supplied CAN DBC file enabling rapid deployment across virtually any CAN-compatible platform.
Joe Holdsworth, Founder and CEO, Metis Engineering, said: “Air quality is fast becoming one of the most critical data points across mobility and industrial environments. With Air Wise, we have designed a sensor that does not just measure air quality, it gives engineers the intelligence to act on it in real time. Whether that is managing cabin comfort, or ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent environmental standards, Air Wise is built to deliver the reliability and precision that demanding applications require.”
A key feature of Air Wise is its intelligent monitoring mode, in which the sensor continuously observes environmental conditions but refrains from transmitting on the CAN bus until a predefined threshold is crossed. Upon breach, it automatically switches to full active mode and can trigger a 500mA low-side drive output to initiate a system response. This design makes Air Wise particularly well-suited to HVAC system integration, where build-up of VOCs and CO2 can affect human health.
Air Wise has been tested to automotive standards including ISO 7637-2:2011, ISO 16750-2:2012 and ISO 16750-4:2010, and optionally supports a triple-axis accelerometer range of up to +/-24g. The sensor is compatible with the Metis Nano Development Kit for rapid desktop analysis and evaluation.
Air Wise joins Metis Engineering's growing family of CAN-based sensors alongside the Cell Guard battery safety sensor and H Guard hydrogen detection sensor, all designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
