60 Second Spotlight on Anton Chittey, Vishay Measurements
Ahead of the Fundamentals of Vehicle Data Collection & Instrumentation Seminar taking place on 27 February at MIRA Technology Institute we caught up with Anton Chittey to hear his thoughts on the topic.

Please briefly explain your current role and involvement with data collection & instrumentation?
After more than 30 years in strain gauges, my role involves training and support to help customers install and capture accurate data using our range of products.
What changes have you seen in data collection technology over the past 5 years?
Increasing computing capabilities and AI are greatly simplifying analysis of large datasets. What takes seconds or even real-time would have seemed impossible when I started in this industry.
What are some common challenges engineers face in your specific area of expertise?
The search for newer technologies can lead engineers away from the tried-and-tested products that can already solve their challenges. Strain gauges are often neglected despite being ubiquitous across almost every industry and are more capable and reliable than many are lead to believe.
What do you see as the key priorities for engineers collecting data?
Number one priority is to set the objectives of the test, then build the test programme.
In light of technological advancements and industry changes, how do you foresee the future of data collection evolving?
Environmental concerns extends to every aspect of testing. For example, over 10 years ago VPG Micro-Measurements changed to environmentally friendly chemicals and processes which improved etching accuracy. Combined with our investment in our Advanced Sensor Technology this enabled commercially-viable yields of high-resistance strain gauges. We manufacture 5kohms gauges even in miniature (sub-1mm) grids, reducing energy consumption, maximising battery life and minimising lifetime costs.
What will you be presenting at the EIS seminar and how will
this benefit participants?
I’ll be reviewing the capabilities of strain gauges, demystifying the quick, effective and reliable installation methods, and summarising some of the obvious, and not-so-obvious, uses of strain gauges across a wide range of industries and research projects.
Why is it important for engineers to join this event?
We can lose sight of the fundamentals of measurements sometimes – the click of a mouse hides the foundations of a good measurement. Without this understanding data may become no better than random noise. Reminding ourselves of the basics will reap rewards in better data for improvements across disciplines, from material properties to structural resilience and efficiency.