The Laser Sensing Group is a research group within the Laboratory of Materials and Surfaces at the University of Málaga. The group brings together long-standing experience in laser spectroscopy, optics, materials characterization, robotics and advanced data analysis to design and deploy robust analytical instrumentation for operation beyond the laboratory.
Our work focuses on solving complex real-world problems in extreme environments, where conventional analytical approaches are impractical or impossible. We develop field-deployable sensing technologies for robotic exploration, rapid-response deployments and large-scale assessment of highly heterogeneous materials, including Critical Raw Materials.
From the lab to the field
— and beyond
While many analytical techniques are developed and validated under controlled laboratory conditions, our focus has always been on operational performance in real scenarios.
For over 30 years, we have pioneered the transition of laser-based techniques from the laboratory to the field, demonstrating that quantitative, laboratory-grade results can be achieved under demanding outdoor, mobile and autonomous conditions.
This long-term experience allows us to address challenges that go far beyond technique validation, focusing instead on speed, robustness, autonomy and scalability.
Problem-driven research
Our emphasis is placed on solving complex real-world problems, with analytical techniques, instrumentation and data processing acting as enabling tools rather than as goals in themselves. The sensing strategies, hardware, software and data interpretation are conceived and developed jointly to meet the constraints imposed by the environment and the application.
What we do
Our research activities include:
- Design and development of laser-based analytical instruments for field and stand-off operation
- Deployment of sensing systems on portable, airborne and robotic platforms
- Autonomous and teleoperated instrumentation, with embedded safety and control
- Multi-sensor data fusion and advanced data analysis, from classical chemometrics to modern AI approaches
Application domains
These capabilities are applied to a broad range of real-world problems in demanding environments. Examples include volcanic monitoring, airborne and terrestrial robotic exploration, Critical Raw Materials assessment, cultural heritage and industrial inspection, as well as security- and defense-related applications, among others.
Selected projects
Our recent and ongoing projects illustrate this approach across very different contexts:
- Chemocopter – Sixth-generation airborne laser-based analytical instrumentation
- Eruptión Geochemistry – Quick deployment under active eruption conditions
- REMINLASER – Laser-based assessment of Critical Raw Materials in mining wastes
- Segovia Aqueduct – Provenance studies of historical stone materials
- BASEPROD – Robotic field exploration with laser-based sensing
- AIROB – Industrial robotic inspection with autonomous LIBS instrumentation
- TRACE – CRM-screening proposal based on advanced sensing and data fusion
Collaboration and impact
We collaborate closely with national research institutions, academic partners and private companies, and our developments have been deployed in scientific, environmental, heritage and industrial contexts.
Contact
Universidad de Málaga
Facultad de Ciencias – Departamento de Física Aplicada I
Campus de Teatinos s/n
E29010 Spain