SHANGHAI, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- To address the growing market demand for stable, reliable, and easy-to-integrate formaldehyde detection solutions, DFRobot, a global leader in open-source hardware, and Sensirion, a pioneer in sensor technology, today jointly launched the Gravity: SFA40 Formaldehyde (HCHO) Module.
The module integrates Sensirion's electrochemical sensing technology with DFRobot's standardized Gravity modular ecosystem, delivering low cross-sensitivity, precise quantification, and seamless integration. It provides developers and enterprises with a reliable, easy-to-deploy solution for formaldehyde measurement in real-world applications.
The DFRobot Gravity: SFA40 Formaldehyde Module is built around Sensirion's advanced SFA40 sensing chip, fully incorporating the core strengths of its electrochemical detection technology. Through optimized design and system integration, the sensor delivers the following outstanding features:
- Superior Anti-Interference: Cross-sensitivity to ethanol is below 0.3%, effectively avoiding interference from common odors such as alcohol and perfume.
- Built-in Temperature and Humidity Compensation: Integrated SHT4X temperature and humidity sensor enables automatic environmental compensation, enhancing measurement stability.
- Plug and Play: Adopts a standard Gravity 4-Pin interface for quick integration with development platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
- Reliable Detection: Measurement range covers 0–1000 ppb, with typical accuracy of ±20 ppb or ±20% of reading (within 0–200 ppb range).
Easy Development to Empower Innovative Applications
The DFRobot Gravity: SFA40 Formaldehyde Module continues the user-friendly nature of the Gravity series, providing comprehensive software and hardware support for developers and makers worldwide:
- Programming-Free Data Reading: Offers an SCI firmware version that enables "plug-and-play" serial data reading, facilitating quick testing and application.
- Graphical Programming Compatibility: Deeply compatible with Mind+ programming software, making it easy for beginners to get started quickly.
- Rich Development Resources: Provides comprehensive Arduino and Python libraries to meet professional development needs.
- Modular and Easy to Integrate: Seamlessly fits into the DFRobot Gravity ecosystem, enabling fast transition from prototype validation to product deployment.
- Compact and Flexible Design: Small footprint with standard mounting holes makes it easy to integrate into various compact devices or existing systems.
Wide Applications Empowering Diverse Scenarios
The DFRobot Gravity: SFA40 Formaldehyde Module will provide core sensing capabilities across multiple sectors:
- Smart Home Monitoring – Real‑time integration with air purification systems
- Air Purifiers – Precision formaldehyde sensing for on‑demand purification
- Building Ventilation – Control reference for offices, schools, and public spaces
- Portable Detectors – Rapid development of professional‑grade mobile measurement devices
Technical Specifications
- Measurement Range: 0–1000 ppb
- Typical Accuracy: ±20 ppb or ±20% of reading (within 0–200 ppb range)
- Supply Voltage: 3.3-5V
- Operating Temperature: 0–50°C
- Operating Humidity: 10–90% RH
- Operating Current: 80 μA (average @ 2Hz), 2 mA (peak)
- Dimensions: 32 × 22 mm
- Mounting Hole Diameter: φ3.0 mm
DFRobot Marketing Director Ashley Gong commented: "This collaboration with Sensirion addresses a key market need—air quality detection moving toward precise quantification. By combining Sensirion's advanced electrochemical sensing with DFRobot's modular design, the Gravity SFA40 Formaldehyde Module delivers low cross-sensitivity with precise quantification, along with steady output and easy integration. This partnership offers developers a more dependable solution and advances detection technology toward greater robustness and usability."
"This partnership marks a key step in making precise quantification sensing more accessible," said Dong Zhihong, Channel Manager at Sensirion. "Leveraging the strengths of Sensirion's SFA40 chip and DFRobot's plug-and-play modular ecosystem, we have created a formaldehyde solution that balances professional performance with easy integration. This collaboration will accelerate lab-grade sensing in real-world applications and drive air quality detection toward more reliable and practical use."
The DFRobot Gravity: SFA40 Formaldehyde Module is now available for purchase on the official DFRobot online store, priced at $49.50.
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DFRobot and Sensirion Launch the SFA40 Formaldehyde Module: Combining Low Cross‑Sensitivity with Precise Quantification
HONG KONG, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) is fostering global talent exchange through its flagship innovation and entrepreneurship programme, HK Tech 300, and the Overseas Start-up Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) organised by the CityUHK Academy of Innovation. Together, these initiatives attract students from around the world to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in Hong Kong while enabling local students to gain hands-on experience at overseas start-ups, facilitating the two-way exchange of innovative talent, knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit.
Attracting global talent to Hong Kong to explore entrepreneurial opportunities
HK Tech 300 recently held a new round of entrepreneurship training, attracting more than 110 participants, around 20% of whom came from Europe, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and other regions. During the three-day programme, participants learned how to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable solutions while exchanging perspectives with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and inspiring entrepreneurial thinking.
Sanzhar from Kazakhstan and Jessica, from Indonesia, both students in CityUHK's Department of Computer Science, believe that Hong Kong's position as an international technology and financial centre provides an ideal environment for start-up development. Through the training programme, they gained a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship and business planning, and hope to turn their innovative ideas into their own ventures one day.
Théo, a third-year student in CityUHK's College of Business from France, hopes to pursue a career in the Chinese Mainland. He sees Hong Kong's international environment as an ideal place to experience different cultures and languages. He said that HK Tech 300 helped him learn how to assess the feasibility of innovative ideas while connecting with students from diverse backgrounds, broadening his horizons and expanding his entrepreneurial network.
Kim, a student from South Korea studying in the Department of Electrical Engineering, aspires to establish an artificial intelligence (AI)-related start-up. He said Hong Kong's open and multicultural environment, together with its vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem were key factors that attracted him to pursue opportunities in the city.
Taking talent from Hong Kong to the world through hands-on experience
While attracting international students to Hong Kong, CityUHK also actively supports students in gaining experience abroad. Over the past two years, STEP, organised by the CityUHK Academy of Innovation, has arranged internships for more than 50 students at 17 deep-tech start-ups in Melbourne, Australia; London and Cambridge, the United Kingdom; and Beijing. These opportunities allow students to gain first-hand experience of how innovative ideas are translated into products and services.
Winnie, a student in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, joined a start-up in Australia this year through STEP. The company provides rehabilitation support for young stroke survivors. She said that, unlike internships primarily focused on laboratory research, working at a start-up allowed her to take on different roles and gain a deeper understanding of the needs of patients and other stakeholders. The experience enhanced her communication skills and gave her a greater appreciation of how technology can address real-world societal challenges.
Febryan from Indonesia and Mariia from Kyrgyzstan, participated in STEP internships at a UK-based start-up specialising in nanomaterials technology that was incubated by Imperial College London. They helped analyse the procedures and requirements for an initial public offering (IPO), gaining insights into the challenges technology start-ups face in business development and financing. Both found that the overseas experience enabled them to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world business environment, equipping them with valuable skills for their future entrepreneurial pursuits and career development.
Building a global platform for innovation
From attracting international students to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in Hong Kong to supporting local students in gaining overseas start-up experience, CityUHK continues to strengthen connections between Hong Kong and the global innovation ecosystem, facilitating the cross-border exchange of talent, knowledge and innovative ideas.
Since its launch in 2021, HK Tech 300 has trained more than 2,200 participants and nurtured over 1,000 start-up teams. More than 230 start-ups have been approved for Angel Fund investments of up to HK$1 million each. Through the HK Tech 300 International Start-up Competition and partnerships with overseas universities and start-up incubators, the programme continues to connect innovation resources worldwide.
Professor Johnny Ho Chung-yin, Associate Vice-President (Enterprise) of CityUHK, said that the University would continue to bring together global innovation talent and entrepreneurial resources through initiatives such as HK Tech 300 and STEP. By supporting talent mobility and cross-border collaboration, CityUHK aims to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs with a global outlook and entrepreneurial spirit, further strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international innovation hub and a "super-connector".
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From CityUHK's HK Tech 300 to the world: Turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality
From CityUHK's HK Tech 300 to the world: Turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality
