This futuristic wand helps detect ship engine anomalies: Japanese marine logistics giant NYK Group, tech firm MTI, and engineering outfit Nabtesco have developed a new tool that records, visualizes, and analyzes engine sounds to aid in the early detection of engine anomalies, according to a press release. The wand-shaped gadget — dubbed Kirari MUSE — has been in the works for a few years and is part of NYK Group’s big data initiative. Nabtesco kicked off sales of the Kiari MUSE on Wednesday, the company statement said.

Listening rods have been used to detect engine problems in the past: Elongated metal rods are often used to monitor equipment in factories and on ships. Placing specially designed listening rods on turbines, motors, and other equipment aids in capturing operational sounds without interference from ambient noise, thereby allowing early detection of abnormalities. However, such equipment has been limited in the past in terms of data accumulation and sharing with third parties, the company said.

Kiari MUSE combines a listening rod with a smartphone + special software to overcome these holdups: The device has a recording function and software that allows the analysis and sharing of sounds with peers. An alarm alerts the user if the sounds analyzed deviate from reference data. The attached smartphone permits users to select the type of device being investigated, record memos during tests, and transfer recorded data to software, the company said.

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