Advancing Real-Time Sensor Monitoring for the Future of Drinking Water Safety The Wave Talk is currently collaborating with Siemens and the University of Sheffield as part of the UK’s next-generation water innovation program, Treatment2Tap – Water Quality As A Service . Through this initiative, our semiconductor-based optical sensors are undergoing advanced field-simulation testing for potential deployment across the UK drinking water network. What is Treatment2Tap? Treatment2Tap aims to create an industry-transforming operational model in which real-time water quality is monitored across the entire network—from treatment plants and storage facilities to customers’ taps. Once deployed, it is expected to become Europe’s largest integrated sensor network for water quality and leakage management . The initiative is led by Northumbrian Water  and was selected through OFWAT’s Breakthrough 2: Catalyst innovation program , supported by a consortium that includes: Siemens The University of Sheffield Welsh Water South East Water Scottish Water Anglian Water And other technology + utility partners Visit to the UK: Meeting the Research Team (Left) w/ Dr. Husband , (Right) w/ Dr. Roman Recently, our CEO Youngdug Kim  visited the University of Sheffield to review testing progress and potential pathway for integration. We were honored to exchange ideas directly with leading experts, including Professor Joby Boxall , a globally recognized authority in water distribution systems and leader of one of the world’s most advanced water research facilities. What makes the Sheffield facility unique is its full-scale pilot pipeline network , designed to replicate real drinking water distribution systems. Unlike typical laboratory settings, this environment enables rigorous and practical evaluation of equipment and sensors under real-world conditions. Why The Wave Talk’s Technology Matters Our sensors are currently undergoing validation at this facility under the supervision of the research team, including Dr. Roman  and Dr. Husband . During the evaluation, our partners highlighted the distinctive advantages of our technology: 🔹 AI semiconductor-based (Sensor-On-A-Chip) technology 🔹 Ultra-compact, low-power architecture suitable for dense network deployment 🔹 High-precision turbidity measurement 🔹 maintenance-free operation These attributes are critical for large-scale deployment in real distribution systems, where continuous maintenance is not feasible. Driving the Future of Water Quality Intelligence Through this collaboration, The Wave Talk and its partners aim to redefine how utilities monitor and manage drinking water quality—moving from periodic sampling to live, continuous intelligence . As Treatment2Tap progresses, we look forward to deepening our collaboration with Siemens, the University of Sheffield, and UK water utilities to build a safer, smarter global water infrastructure. We believe real-time sensing is not just the future—it's the new standard for protecting public health.

TheWaveTalk has successfully completed its participation in the 7th cohort of the 2025 Dream Play open innovation program, jointly hosted by LG Display, ENSL Partners, and the Seoul Startup Hub (SBA). The program focused on validating and exploring the commercialization of our deep-learning–based ultrapure water monitoring solution. Over the past seven months since the Kick-Off in March, The.Wave.Talk collaborated with LG Display to complete a Proof of Concept (PoC) on high-speed bacterial detection in ultrapure water. As a result, the company was selected as a top-performing startup and secured a formal pathway for follow-up collaboration with LG Display. A Core Technology for Yield Improvement in Precision Manufacturing AI-generated image inspired by the product used during the PoC TheWaveTalk’s ultrapure water monitoring solution combines laser speckle–based optical measurement with deep-learning analysis to rapidly detect bacterial presence. This capability is critical for improving yield and reducing defects in display and semiconductor manufacturing. Throughout the PoC period, LG Display validated the technology’s performance, accuracy, and operational efficiency in a real precision manufacturing environment. The results confirmed the solution’s strong potential to enhance quality control and productivity. The technology has already received Korea’s New Excellent Technology (NET) certification in 2024 and was recognized globally with a CES 2025 Innovation Award. Follow-Up Collaboration Toward a New Industry Standard Photo from the final evaluation of the ‘2025 Dream Play’ 7th cohort / Photo by ENSL Partners During the final evaluation held on November 11 at LG Science Park in Magok, Seoul, TheWaveTalk was selected as one of the top-performing teams. This milestone lays the groundwork for positioning our deep-learning–based ultrapure water monitoring solution as a new standard in precision manufacturing. A representative from TheWaveTalk commented: “The successful PoC with LG Display is an important milestone demonstrating the practical value of our technology in precision manufacturing. Through continued collaboration, we aim to accelerate development and grow as a leading partner in ultrapure water quality management.” TheWaveTalk will continue working with LG Display to advance quality and efficiency in manufacturing processes and expand its impact across the global display and semiconductor sectors.

TheWaveTalk has recently signed a supply agreement with several waterworks facilities in the Gyeonggi region for its TSC-50/IQ-50 in-line turbidimeters. This deployment is particularly meaningful, as the TSC-50/IQ-50 is now being formally installed inside water quality monitoring units used for Korea’s TMS ( Tele-Monitoring System ). Installation in TMS Water Quality Monitoring Units ※ Model Name Update Notice — TSC-50/IQ-50 To ensure consistency with the official type approval records, the previous model name “IQ-50” has been unified under the official name TSC-50/IQ-50 . All future communications—including newsletters, brochures, and press releases—will use this standardized naming. Korea’s First Type-Approved Laser Scattering In-line Turbidimeter : Optimized for Long-term, Minimal-maintenance Operation The TSC-50/IQ-50 adopts a laser-based scattering method, offering substantially lower maintenance requirements compared to conventional turbidimeters. Comparison Table Category Conventional Products TSC-50/IQ-50 Light Source Replacement Cycle 1,000–2,000 hours (tungsten) 10,000 hours (laser) Cleaning Interval Every 1–3 months 2 years (Up to 5 years) Pulsation Interference Yes (requires damping equipment and adjustments) No (no additional device required) Bubble Interference Yes (requires bubble removal device) No (no additional device required) Installation Space Occupies significant space due to separate indicator, sensor, and additional components Approx. 60% reduction compared to conventional setups (integrated indicator–sensor structure) It is designed to eliminate the effects of flow pulsation and air bubbles without any additional attachment or accessory , ensuring stable and accurate measurements in real-world conditions. For large-scale deployments across multiple sites, maintenance workload often increases significantly. However, with extended light-source replacement intervals and a long cleaning cycle, the TSC-50/IQ-50 dramatically reduces operational burden. This makes it highly suitable for wide-area installation environments, providing both stable long-term performance and superior maintenance efficiency.

Turbidity  is the measure of the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by tiny suspended particles, and it is a key indicator of water cleanliness. The current handheld turbidity meter—using sample vials, requiring wiping before every measurement for accuracy, and a bit too heavy to comfortably hold—is undeniably an 'industrial' tool , despite its 'portable' label. The barrier is simply too high for the average consumer to easily check drinking water quality at home. Why hasn't the miniature 'pen-type turbidity meter' , which you simply dip into the water like a common pH or TDS meter, ever existed? The everyday need of consumers who want to confirm their clean drinking water has always been there. The Strong Need for 'Easy Measurement' in Drinking Water Quality Management The global turbidity meter market is growing at an annual rate of over 6%. Demand for water quality monitoring is steadily increasing, not only in water treatment and industrial sites but also in daily life—for managing home water purifiers, checking tap water quality, and verifying drinking water during camping or international travel. However, the current handheld turbidity meters  on the market are expensive and require precise maintenance, making them inaccessible to the average consumer. Consumers have long wished for a product that is reasonably priced, easy to use without calibration, and reliable. A single, trustworthy device for water quality verification has been the 'dream product' of water management. Technical Obstacles and Reasons for the Absence of the Ultra-Small Pen-Type Turbidity Meter The reason a pen-type turbidity meter  hasn't been developed until now is the extreme difficulty in simultaneously satisfying two values: 'User Convenience' and 'Measurement Precision.' 1. The Dilemma Between Portability and Precision:  Turbidity measures light scattered by particles in the water, which requires an extremely delicate measurement environment. Increased Convenience :  An immersion structure, where the sensor is dipped directly into the water, is the most convenient. However, it is highly susceptible to external light interference and micro-bubbles on the sensor surface, which cause the measurement values to fluctuate easily and precision to drop sharply. Securing Precision :  To maintain precision, a complicated and cumbersome method must be adopted: water must be placed in a separate cell (vial) and illuminated within a sealed space to completely control the measurement environment. In the end, there has been a dilemma: increase 'User Convenience' and you sacrifice precision; insist on precision and the device becomes inconvenient to use. 2. High Price Barrier Due to High-Precision Measurement:  Implementing reliable precision requires sophisticated components and design. This has led to high manufacturing costs for existing industrial turbidity meters  and consumer prices that can reach thousands of dollars, creating an economic barrier that blocks access for the average consumer. Due to these technical and economic challenges, the development of a pen-type turbidity meter  that boasts reliable precision at a reasonable price has been virtually impossible—until now. The Wave Talk's Challenge: Using Semiconductor Sensors to Open a New Path for Water Quality Monitoring To bridge this gap between the market and technology, The Wave Talk recently began discussions with a global partner regarding the feasibility of developing a pen-type turbidity meter . While the product specifications and form are not yet finalized, we are in the initial planning phase, envisioning a device for turbidity measurement  that is "truly easy to take out and use anywhere, requires no other supporting devices, and whose precision can be trusted." In the past, The Wave Talk  achieved a precision breakthrough in the low-turbidity drinking water sector with a small water quality meter called 'WaTalk.' It gained attention in the market for its easy-to-use method and measurement accuracy. However, WaTalk had to be linked to a smartphone app to view the results; the device itself did not display the measurement value. While WaTalk revolutionized the price point, bringing down a device that once cost thousands of dollars to under $300, it could still be a somewhat burdensome price for purely household use. Now, we are aiming to go further with the pen-type turbidity meter . Utilizing The Wave Talk's  unique semiconductor-based sensor technology , we aim for the highest precision while being lighter and more affordable than existing global brands. A New Era for Small, Convenient, Precise Water Quality Monitoring This is an AI-generated image, not an actual product photo. The paradigm of water quality management is shifting. An era is coming where not just experts, but everyone, checks water quality in their daily lives. The reasons why an ultra-small turbidity sensor  combining precision and practicality has not yet been commercialized are clear, but now, the initial discussions have begun. The Wave Talk  seeks to fill this market void with technology. What will the 'True' portable turbidity meter  we envision look like? The Wave Talk is committed to leading the popularization of water quality management through the commercialization of the pen-type turbidity meter.  The day that imagination becomes reality is not far off.

A Real Story Behind a Hollywood Film Erin Brockovich as portrayed by Julia Roberts (left) and the real Erin Brockovich (right) The 2000 film Erin Brockovich , starring Julia Roberts, is far more than just a courtroom drama. It’s based on a true story  — a water contamination case that unfolded in the small town of Hinkley, California. The real Erin Brockovich, still active today, continues her advocacy for environmental justice and citizens’ rights. In the early 1990s, residents of Hinkley used groundwater for drinking every day. The water looked clear and tasted normal. Yet strange illnesses began to spread — cancer, miscarriages, chronic fatigue, and other disorders. No one imagined that the cause might lie in the very water they trusted. Erin Brockovich (2000) Official Trailer Erin Brockovich, then a single mother of three struggling to make ends meet, worked as a temporary clerk at a law firm after losing a car accident case. While organizing paperwork, she discovered an unusual link between property files and medical records. Her curiosity turned into an investigation that uncovered one of the biggest environmental scandals in U.S. history: a corporation had knowingly allowed hexavalent chromium , a toxic carcinogen, to contaminate the town’s water. Despite lacking formal training or credentials, Erin gathered evidence, interviewed residents, and mobilized over 600 people for a class-action lawsuit. Eventually, the company paid a record-breaking $333 million settlement  — all because one woman dared to ask, “What’s wrong with the water?” The Invisible Threat Beneath the Surface In the film, Erin faces an unsettling truth: no one realized there was a problem because the water didn’t look polluted.  The contaminated groundwater remained clear, odorless, and tasteless. Invisible to the naked eye, the danger quietly spread through the community. This story isn’t just about one American town decades ago — it’s a warning that remains deeply relevant today. Around the world, invisible pollutants still contaminate our water sources. The tragedy is the same: by the time people notice something is wrong, it’s often too late. Turbidity: The Hidden Indicator of Water Quality Turbidity is one of the most fundamental indicators of water safety. The World Health Organization (WHO)  sets the maximum allowable turbidity for drinking water at 5 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units)  — but even water that exceeds this limit often looks perfectly clear to the human eye. In other words, “clean-looking” water can still be unsafe. Turbidity levels can spike rapidly due to rainfall, pipeline corrosion, or sudden changes in treatment processes. However, most water quality inspections are periodic, not continuous. This means that short-term contamination events often go undetected , and the water may appear normal even when it’s not. In Hinkley, too, every glass of water looked  normal — until it wasn’t. Modern Water Monitoring Still Has Gaps Today’s water treatment systems are far more advanced, and treatment plants continuously track multiple parameters. But real-time monitoring beyond the plant — through aging pipelines and up to the consumer’s tap — remains a major challenge . Most existing frameworks rely on scheduled sampling and manual reporting. This leaves blind spots between inspections, during which contamination can occur unnoticed. Even when anomalies are detected, administrative processes and reporting delays can mean that action comes too late. Without the vigilance of someone like Erin asking, “Why are so many people getting sick?”, small warning signs might never trigger investigation at all. Trust in Water Must Come from Data, Not Appearance We often assume, “It looks clear, so it must be fine.”  But true water safety cannot be judged by sight or taste. It depends on data  — continuous, reliable, and transparent. Water quality fluctuates constantly, and problems often start long before they become visible. The story of Erin Brockovich  reminds us that vigilance begins with curiosity — with one person daring to question what others take for granted. Because sometimes, saving hundreds of lives starts with a single question: “Is our water really safe?”

A new initiative from Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), the Trusted Tap Project , is drawing attention for reimagining how households engage with the quality of their tap water. Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the project explores a user-centered approach to monitoring water quality at the point of use—right from the tap . Municipal water systems are typically managed based on conditions at the treatment plant. But the journey from the plant to each home is not without risk. Aging water mains, internal building pipes, and external environmental factors can all introduce secondary contamination. Trusted Tap addresses this by analyzing used household water filters to detect harmful substances such as lead, chromium, and PFAS  (so-called "forever chemicals), providing insight into the actual quality of water people consume. This signals more than a technical experiment—it reflects a larger shift in responsibility: from water providers to everyday users . ※ Learn more about the 'Trusted Tap Project' : https://engineering.washu.edu/news/2025/WashUs-Trusted-Tap-will-empower-households-to-monitor-water-quality.html Why Was Turbidity Left Out—and Why It Shouldn’t Be However, this project also has its limitations.Instead of a real-time water quality monitoring system, it operates as a post-analysis approach  — used faucet filters are sent to Washington University for laboratory examination after all the filtered water has been consumed. More importantly, it does not include turbidity (Turbidity)  data, which is a key indicator for detecting early signs of water quality deterioration. Turbidity is not merely about how clear the water appears; it represents the total amount of particulate matter suspended in it. This includes soil, organic matter, bacteria, microplastics, and microorganisms. Because turbidity can capture subtle changes or anomalies in water quality faster than most other parameters, it is considered one of the most fundamental monitoring metrics even at water treatment plants. Nevertheless, measuring turbidity in real time at home has long been a challenge. Conventional turbidity meters are large and expensive, requiring regular cleaning and calibration, making them impractical for household use. As a result, real-time water quality monitoring at the household level has remained an unfilled gap  for years. A Glimpse Into the Future of Household Water Monitoring—Powered by TheWaveTalk TheWaveTalk  has developed a solution that breaks through this long-standing barrier. TheWaveTalk's ultra-compact optical turbidity sensor module  integrates a laser, CMOS camera, image analysis technology into a single custom ASIC chip , achieving high lab-grade sensitivity at a fraction of the cost and size. This compact design allows it to be embedded anywhere—inside water purifiers, taps, or pipes —and once installed, it operates maintenance-free for at least five years , delivering continuous real-time monitoring of turbidity. But it’s more than just a sensor. By syncing data to the cloud, TheWaveTalk's system enables each household’s water data to become part of a larger smart monitoring infrastructure , increasing citywide transparency and enabling faster, more targeted responses to water quality concerns. This is the foundation of our vision: “From Tap to Trust.” Conclusion The Trusted Tap Project exemplifies a growing shift toward user-driven water safety . The.Wave.Talk builds on this momentum with technology that brings real-time, in-home water quality monitoring —including turbidity—into everyday life. Now, anyone can truly know the condition of the water they drink, not just trust it blindly.And that’s the kind of trust only technology can make visible. Reference Leah Shaffer, “WashU’s Trusted Tap will empower households to monitor water quality,”   The Source – WashU  (Sep 22, 2025) source.washu.edusource.washu.edu National Science Foundation, “Trusted Tap – Equitable monitoring of drinking water quality at the household-level using point-of-use filters,”   NSF Convergence Accelerator Track: Future Water Systems  (Award #2452515, 2025) engineering.washu.edu US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “National Primary Drinking Water Regulations – Microorganisms: Turbidity,”   EPA.gov   epa.gov Washington University McKelvey School of Engineering, “WashU’s Trusted Tap will empower households to monitor water quality,”  (News, Sep 17, 2025 ) source.washu.edusource.washu.edu The.Wave.Talk , “AI Deep Learning Sensor-on-a-Chip for Water Quality & Bacteria – Key Features,”   TheWaveTalk.com   thewavetalk.comthewavetalk.comthewavetalk.com

Persistent Water Quality Issues in Schools Across the country, elementary, middle, and high schools continue to face recurring problems of rusty and turbid water, raising serious concerns among students and parents. At one elementary school in Seoul, rusty water was found in drinking fountains due to aging pipelines, forcing students to bring bottled water from home or teachers to install temporary purifiers (Chosun Ilbo, May 13, 2024). In Gyeonggi Province, turbidity levels surged to dozens of times above the acceptable limit immediately after pipe cleaning, causing the suspension of water use (OBS, Jan 6, 2023). A boarding high school in Busan even experienced rusty water from both drinking fountains and showers, forcing students to temporarily leave the dormitory (Kukje Newspaper, May 19, 2025). Despite these incidents, most schools still rely on quarterly inspections or post-incident tests. These cases all point to the same truth: Water quality management that depends on reactive measures after contamination  is no longer sufficient. What’s urgently needed is a monitoring system capable of early detection and immediate response . Why Turbidity? A Practical Starting Point for Early Detection Turbidity represents the concentration of suspended particles in water, but its meaning goes far beyond “water clarity.” It is often the first parameter to react  when issues such as filter degradation, sediment detachment, or external contamination occur. The World Health Organization (WHO)  identifies turbidity as an early-warning indicator  for detecting problems within a multi-barrier approach to safe drinking water (WHO, Review of Turbidity , 2017, p.10). WHO recommends keeping turbidity below 5 NTU  for potable water, while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  requires less than 0.3 NTU  for filtered drinking water. The EPA also notes that increasing turbidity can lead to reduced disinfection efficiency  and greater risk of pathogenic microorganisms . In this sense, turbidity is not merely a “result indicator,” but a signal that reveals the onset of water quality deterioration  — the most practical and sensitive starting point for proactive monitoring. Real-Time Monitoring: Lightweight Systems Fit for Schools School water distribution networks have simple structures and clearly defined zones, making them ideal for lightweight real-time monitoring systems  that integrate small sensors, data communication, and a cloud-based analysis platform. The turbidity data collected by sensors are transmitted to a central system that automatically detects deviations from normal patterns. Any anomaly is immediately sent as an alert to the administrator, minimizing response time. Such a system enables 24-hour autonomous water safety monitoring , even without on-site staff, and provides the data foundation for rapid cause tracing and preventive maintenance. From Schools to Cities: A Scalable Framework A real-time monitoring model proven in schools can be extended to larger water networks in buildings, hospitals, campuses, industrial parks, and urban water systems . Additional parameters such as pH, residual chlorine, and electrical conductivity  can be integrated for comprehensive monitoring across multiple sites. Schools can thus serve as living labs for water security systems , verifying both data reliability and operational efficiency, and providing a practical foundation for future city-wide water safety networks . Turbidity: The Starting Point of Preventive Monitoring Turbidity may not answer every question about water quality, but it is the first signal to reveal when a problem begins .The essence of water safety lies not merely in whether contamination occurs, but in detecting the moment that change starts . Digitalizing school water management is more than a technical trial — it marks a transformative shift from reactive responses to proactive monitoring  across essential public infrastructure. Reference: 1.WHO, Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality , 4th ed. 2.WHO, Review of Turbidity: Information for Regulators and Water Suppliers , WHO/FWC/WSH/17.01, 2017 3.EPA, Turbidity Parameter Factsheet , 2021 4.Huey & Meyer, Turbidity as an Indicator of Water Quality , Water , 2010 5.De Roos et al., Turbidity and GI Illness , Environmental Health Perspectives , 2017 6.Badger Meter, Remote Water Quality Monitoring for Distribution Networks , 2022 7.McDowell et al., Monitoring Water Quality to Meet Policy Objectives , Scientific Reports , 2024

The Future of Water Quality Monitoring, All in One Platform From water treatment membranes to swimming pools, home water purifiers, smart appliances, and even ultrapure water in precision industries — reliable water quality monitoring has become essential everywhere. Yet until now, the market lacked ultra-compact, cost-effective turbidity sensors capable of delivering high-precision measurements for years without maintenance. The.Wave.Talk is redefining this landscape by mass-producing next-generation turbidity sensors that work seamlessly across all applications, setting a new standard for water monitoring. In-line Turbidity Meter (IQ-50) Designed for municipal and industrial facilities, the IQ-50 Inline Turbidity Meter integrates directly into pipeline systems for real-time monitoring. Operators no longer need separate sampling processes or external devices — turbidity data is available instantly for immediate response. Its maintenance-free and auto-calibrating design ensures stable performance without frequent checks, making it an ideal solution for public utilities operating with limited manpower and budgets. Long-term field tests confirm that IQ-50 maintains accuracy for over a year without any cleaning, delivering unmatched reliability for continuous operation. Turbidity Sensor Module (WP-4000) Until recently, real-time turbidity measurement at the household level was nearly impossible. The WP-4000 module changes that. Based on custom semiconductors, this ultra-compact sensor can operate over 10 years maintenance-free , while being much more cost-efficient than traditional sensors. This breakthrough addresses a critical issue: studies show that 25% of household water purifiers may degrade water quality by releasing contaminants during filtration. With WP-4000, consumers and manufacturers gain access to real-time water quality data at the tap — ensuring that purified water is truly clean. Add-on Type(PipeTalk™) ※ Under Development Aging water distribution networks, micro-leakage, and biofilm buildup are common challenges in water supply systems worldwide.Currently under development, PipeTalk™  utilizes real-time turbidity data to detect early signs of anomalies within pipelines, enabling predictive and preventative maintenance . By shifting from reactive response to proactive management , PipeTalk™ enables the transition toward smart, preventive water network operations .This represents more than just monitoring — it’s a step toward a sustainable and resilient water management system . In addition, PipeTalk™ provides real-time membrane integrity monitoring for each vessel , detecting abnormalities in membrane filtration units (MF/UF, NF/RO) and minimizing fouling or damage.The system continuously collects data after backwash, filtration, and permeation stages , allowing operators to gain a comprehensive overview of membrane integrity across the entire process  — ultimately maximizing operational efficiency and membrane lifespan. Conventional turbidimeters require regular cleaning, calibration, and skilled operation. In contrast, The.Wave.Talk ’s technology delivers world-class accuracy while operating maintenance-free for over five years. Tested and certified by KOLAS  and verified by government agencies, the system meets drinking water standards with proven precision and reproducibility. Evaluations by leading global home appliance manufacturers  have also confirmed that the sensor maintains stable performance under harsh conditions such as pressure, vibration, temperature fluctuations, and humidity — setting a new benchmark for long-term stability and operational efficiency across both public and industrial sectors. In-line Bacteria Measurement Device ※ Under Development (PoC with LG Display) Building upon its expertise in turbidity measurement, The.Wave.Talk  is expanding into the field of real-time bacterial detection.Through a Proof of Concept (PoC)  with LG Display , the company is developing the world’s first inline bacteria measurement device  capable of simultaneously detecting turbidity and bacteria. This product is based on The.Wave.Talk ’s technology that received NET (New Excellent Technology) certification in 2025  — “High-speed detection of foreign particles and microorganisms in purified water using deep-learning algorithms.” The technology has been officially recognized by the Korean government for both its technical excellence and commercialization potential. The device achieves a detection limit of 100 CFU/mL  and operates 40 times faster than traditional culture-based methods , offering 100,000 times higher resolution  than conventional optical tools.It introduces a new standard for microbial monitoring in industries requiring extreme precision and hygiene, such as semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food production. Traditional bacterial analysis methods rely on culture-based processes that take 24–48 hours  and require trained personnel and laboratory facilities.In contrast, The.Wave.Talk ’s deep-learning–powered technology  can identify bacteria much faster with exceptional accuracy. Validated through KOLAS certification, government testing, and clinical trials at Severance Hospital , the system demonstrated 100% accuracy  and the capability to distinguish bacterial concentrations as low as 0.1%. Compared to FDA-certified systems , it also exhibited superior sensitivity and specificity. Conventional bacterial and particle measurement systems depend on manual procedures, periodic maintenance, and long analysis times (often over 24 hours). The.Wave.Talk ’s sensor is the world’s first to enable real-time, simultaneous, and fully automatic measurement of both bacteria and particles. By combining proprietary optical signal amplification  with AI-based speckle signal analysis , the system reduces maintenance requirements by up to 50 times  and shortens analysis time by 40 times , providing results within 30 minutes. With over 100 patents filed  and 80 registrations completed , this breakthrough technology establishes a new generation of intelligent, efficient, and economically scalable water quality monitoring platforms.

By developing an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)  that integrates the CMOS camera and MCU —the core components of conventional water quality sensors— THE WAVE TALK  has achieved an unprecedented level of miniaturization. This semiconductor-level integration not only reduces the overall sensor footprint but also enhances stability, signal processing efficiency, and production scalability. In parallel, we designed a custom laser drive circuit  and a miniaturized laser module  to ensure stable optical output and improved performance, even in compact configurations. This allows for high-sensitivity turbidity and bacterial detection  without the need for bulky optical assemblies or frequent maintenance. Thanks to these innovations, our ultra-compact water quality sensor  can now be seamlessly deployed across all water-related touchpoints—from industrial infrastructure such as pipelines and membranes  to smart home appliances  requiring real-time, autonomous water quality monitoring.

Membrane filtration facility at Aewol Water Treatment Plant, Jeju (Reference material, source: Seoul Economic Daily) From Conventional Sedimentation to Advanced Membrane Filtration Traditional sedimentation-based water treatment plants rely on coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration to remove suspended solids and impurities. While this method is simple and well-proven, it requires large land areas, significant chemical usage, and costly sludge management—making it less efficient and sustainable in terms of space and operation. In contrast, membrane filtration  physically separates fine particles, pathogens, and even microplastics using membrane barriers. This advanced process ensures consistent turbidity control and high-quality water output. Compact design and ease of automation make it particularly suitable for urban and small-scale plants. However, membrane systems still face challenges such as high operational costs and energy consumption . In large-scale facilities, varying raw water quality, frequent chemical cleaning, and increased power demand make it difficult to achieve both efficiency and economic feasibility. The Global Shift Toward ‘Smart Operations’ Across the globe, water utilities and industrial plants are moving toward Sustainable Operation  and Smart Maintenance . Rather than focusing solely on new membrane materials, the industry is turning toward data-driven optimization , collecting and analyzing operational data in real time. At the center of this transformation lies precision turbidity monitoring . Turbidity is not just a measure of water clarity; it reflects membrane fouling, cleaning cycles, and overall energy efficiency .To improve reliability, plants must acquire stable, accurate turbidity data that remain unaffected by biofilm, bubbles, or pulsation —while minimizing maintenance. The Solution: High-Precision Turbidity Monitoring In membrane filtration, turbidity changes directly indicate variations in membrane fouling and pump pressure . Real-time precision monitoring therefore plays a critical role in optimizing plant performance. Key benefits include: Optimized cleaning cycles:  Reducing unnecessary chemical cleaning saves both chemical and operational costs. Energy savings:  Early detection of fouling prevents excessive pressure loss. Localized diagnostics:  Vessel-level integrity monitoring enables early anomaly detection. Ultimately, precision turbidity monitoring enhances efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability —the three pillars of successful membrane plant operation. TheWaveTalk Testbed — Data-Driven Operations Begin with Inline Turbidity Monitoring TheWaveTalk  is currently conducting a testbed program at domestic membrane filtration plants using its AI-powered inline turbidity meter  (automatic continuous turbidity measurement system). This initiative goes beyond simple water quality measurement—it aims to demonstrate how real-time data can optimize plant operation by analyzing turbidity behavior before and after membrane cleaning , assessing long-term data stability , and identifying signal variability trends . Testbed Overview Location:  Domestic water treatment plant Focus areas:  Real-time detection accuracy, cleaning response, signal stability In the next phase, TheWaveTalk plans to extend its technology to vessel-level integrity monitoring  by applying miniature turbidity sensor modules to each membrane vessel. This will enable module-level anomaly detection and efficiency tracking , accelerating the digital transformation of water treatment plants . Online Membrane Integerity Monitoring for Every Vessel Conclusion Membrane filtration represents the future of advanced water treatment , but without operational efficiency, it cannot become a truly sustainable solution. By delivering stable and intelligent turbidity data , The.Wave.Talk  is pioneering the digitalization of membrane operations —bridging the gap between advanced purification and sustainable practice. Organizations or partners interested in our membrane turbidity sensor testbed  or technical collaboration  are welcome to connect with us. Together, we can define the next standard of efficient, intelligent water treatment . 📧 Contact us: marketing@thewavetalk.com

Turbidity: The Core Indicator of Water Quality Turbidity—the cloudiness caused by fine particles or impurities suspended in water—is one of the most critical indicators of pool water quality. It determines not only how “clear” the water looks but also affects hygiene, safety, and operational efficiency . As turbidity rises, disinfectant efficiency declines, filtration load increases, and underwater visibility decreases, creating potential safety hazards. Many countries recommend maintaining pool turbidity within 0.5–5 NTU  for optimal clarity and safety. More importantly, turbidity is recognized as the earliest indicator of water quality anomalies . Changes in turbidity often precede bacterial growth, organic buildup, or declining filtration performance. This makes real-time turbidity sensing the most direct and reliable tool  for proactive water quality management. Modern turbidity sensors are no longer just instruments for clarity—they have become predictive devices  that detect invisible signs of contamination before they escalate. ※ Reference: Mike Sadar, “ Turbidity Measurement: A Simple, Effective Indicator of Water Quality Change ,” Hach Hydromet Application Notes , 2017. The Barriers: Cost and Maintenance Despite its importance, turbidity monitoring remains underutilized in many facilities due to three key challenges: High equipment cost:  Precision instruments are often too expensive for small or mid-sized pools. Complex maintenance:  Optical sensors are easily affected by biofilm, scale, or bubbles , requiring frequent cleaning and calibration. Dependence on specialists:  Many facilities lack the trained personnel to maintain continuous, reliable operation. As a result, many operators rely on manual inspections or periodic sampling , leaving a gap between measurement and real-time control. Technology Innovation: Semiconductor-Based Modular Sensors To overcome these barriers, TheWaveTalk  has developed a semiconductor-based miniature modular turbidity sensor . By integrating the latest advances in miniaturization and semiconductor fabrication, turbidity measurement is evolving from a standalone instrument  to an embedded sensing component  within broader systems. Key technological advantages: No biofilm cleaning required:  Optical structure minimizes contamination and maintenance. Auto-calibration:  Maintains long-term stability without manual recalibration. Low-cost semiconductor design:  Enables mass production and cost efficiency. Compact form factor:  Easily integrates into inline systems, circulation loops, or smart devices. In short, TheWaveTalk has redefined the paradigm with a “maintenance-free miniature turbidity sensor.” This innovation enables affordable, real-time monitoring  even in small facilities and residential pools where traditional devices were impractical. A Market Shift Toward Automation and Integration Globally, the pool industry is rapidly adopting automated water quality management .To improve operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and user safety, integrated systems now combine pH, chlorine, ORP, and turbidity sensors  into unified control platforms. As automation expands, demand is rising for compact, low-cost, and auto-calibrating sensors , designed for seamless integration into filtration or control units.Solution providers are also moving beyond hardware—offering data-driven analytics and operational services , forming the foundation of smart pool management platforms . Where Robotics Meets Water Quality To date, no commercial pool-cleaning robot has featured a built-in turbidity sensor.This has largely been due to sensor size, cost, stability, and maintenance limitations . With TheWaveTalk’s miniature turbidity module, those barriers are gone.Its biofilm-resistant optics, auto-calibration function, and maintenance-free operation  allow for integration into cleaning robots. Future robotic pool cleaners could evolve from simple cleaning tools into smart autonomous systems —detecting contaminated areas, optimizing cleaning routes, and adjusting operation based on real-time turbidity data.This represents the first step toward a fully integrated model  that unifies mechanical cleaning and intelligent water management. Proven Reliability and Commercialization The.Wave.Talk ’s semiconductor-based turbidity sensor has already passed multi-year validation with a global home appliance leader , leading to a technology licensing agreement.This demonstrates that its accuracy and stability are verified not only in laboratories but also under real-world operating conditions . TheWaveTalk: Redefining the Standard for Water Quality Management The.Wave.Talk ’s modular turbidity sensor redefines traditional instruments—once seen as expensive and maintenance-heavy —into a compact, affordable, and integrable solution . With maintenance-free design , auto-calibration , and real-time data connectivity , the sensor is emerging as a core component of next-generation smart water management systems . This technology empowers pool operators to efficiently manage filtration backwash timing, detect circulation blind spots, and optimize chemical dosing—all through continuous data-driven insights. By pioneering semiconductor-based water sensing , TheWaveTalk  is leading the democratization and digital transformation  of pool water management—setting a new global standard for maintenance-free, real-time water quality monitoring. 📧 Contact us: marketing@thewavetalk.com

In not only water treatment plants but also food and beverage manufacturing, wastewater treatment, and industrial cooling water management , turbidity monitoring plays a critical role in maintaining process quality and operational safety. However, these environments often experience flow fluctuations (pulsation)  and bubble formation  within the pipelines, which can make real-time monitoring challenging. The.Wave.Talk ’s laser-based inline turbidity meter (continuous turbidity analyzer) IQ-50  has demonstrated exceptional measurement stability  even under such demanding conditions, setting a new standard for turbidity management. 1. Pulsation Test – Consistent Measurements Despite Flow Variations KTR Certified Test Results (Pulsation Conditions) In pulsation condition tests jointly conducted with KTR, the IQ-50 maintained highly stable performance , with readings shifting only slightly from 0.031 NTU → 0.036 NTU  and the Relative Standard Deviation (RSD)  staying low at 2.19% → 5.57% . In comparison, conventional turbidity meters  under the same conditions showed significant fluctuations, jumping from 0.021 NTU → 4.144 NTU , with the RSD  surging from 14.31% → 34.96% . These results clearly show that the IQ-50 provides reliable and accurate data , even in environments where flow variations are frequent. 2. Bubble Test – Accurate Monitoring Despite Bubble Interference Jointly tested and validated with KTR In tests replicating environments with bubble interference, the IQ-50 once again demonstrated stability, maintaining readings at 0.040 NTU → 0.045 NTU  and an RSD  of 3.38% → 4.23% . By contrast, conventional turbidity meters  recorded notable instability, rising from 0.020 NTU → 0.077 NTU , with the RSD  jumping from 8.90% → 26.51% . This validates how the IQ-50’s optical signal amplification and multi-scattering analysis technologies  effectively suppress bubble-induced noise to ensure precise, real-time monitoring. 3. Maintenance-Free, Cost-Effective Design The IQ-50 is designed for direct inline installation  without the need for additional components such as constant-flow pumps, tanks, or bubble-removal devices. This design not only reduces installation and operational costs  but also minimizes maintenance burdens , making it an ideal solution for facilities where operational efficiency is critical . 4. Value Across Industrial Applications The IQ-50 is versatile and well-suited for municipal water systems, food and beverage production, wastewater treatment, and industrial cooling water management , where accurate and stable turbidity monitoring  is essential. Real-time, data-driven quality control Process stability and reduced failure rates Predictive maintenance and improved operational efficiency These advantages help organizations build sustainable and efficient water quality management systems  across a wide range of applications. The.Wave.Talk ’s IQ-50  combines advanced technology with proven field performance to deliver unmatched stability and precision , ensuring reliable real-time monitoring  in municipal, industrial, and utility operations — even under the most challenging conditions.