Under Cover: Wireless networks—not just for coffee bars anymore

August 12, 2011

Smart cities; smart factories

Managing a plant's operations can be a mind-boggling experience. Despite a slew of management software systems, even the most vigilant manager can find it difficult to keep apprised of all of a factory's functions.

A wireless sensor network called Smart Cities may provide insight into such network applications for factories.

Wireless sensor network designer and manufacturer of hardware and communication protocols Libelium has introduced a new sensor board that measures noise pollution, structural soundness, and solid waste levels, as well as emissions, radiation, congested traffic patterns, and parking space availability in cities. Urban monitoring, as it's called, is the hottest thing to come to city management.

Sensors detect sound pressure levels useful in creating a real-time noise map of a city. A crack sensor measures cracks in public structures such as buildings and bridges. An ultrasound sensor measures trash levels in bins, indicating when the bins need emptying. All of these can be integrated with temperature, light, and humidity sensors as well.

The platform is based on the company's modular Waspmote wireless sensing technology.

Manufacturers already are accustomed to using sensors and sensor networks to improve the quality of their end products by controlling production parameters. In addition, many manufacturers have been using sensors to adjust lighting and temperature systems when employees enter certain spaces.

Similarly, a wireless network can verify the scale of emissions produced in a manufacturing process; monitor machinery and plant maintenance; and detect structural cracks in machinery. It can monitor forklift and other material handling traffic; measure levels of kanban supplies; and keep track of finished product, noise levels, and waste levels.

Maybe that will free up operations managers' time so they can go to coffee bars.

Libelium, European Business and Innovation Centre CEEIARAGON, Zaragoza, Spain, a.asin@libelium.com.