SENSORS | ARTICLE
package (figure 1). Tese systems are also known as wireless autonomous sensor networks (WASNs). Te good news is that all of the hardware for the realisation of this approach is virtually off the shelf with the exception of the package, which tends to be a custom design and an energy harvesting system. Bateries are currently being used to satisfy the power supply function for a majority of these applications with solar being second in popularity for this purpose until energy harvesting systems will be able to produce the adequate amount of power for this application. However, the challenge to create a commercialisable solution lies in its ability to be realised in a robust and cost-effective manner that meets the requirements of the application. System integration, the ability to create effective algorithms that produce required functionalities and cost-effective and robust packaging are the key. I am one of many who believe that one of the major opportunities associated with IoT is in Smart Buildings and Smart Transport. In the Trillion Sensors Initiative initiated by Dr. Janusz Bryzek and formally launched at the inaugural Trillion Sensors Summit, which was held at Stanford University in October of 2013, Smart Buildings and Smart Transport were addressed by several presenters including myself [3] and Mr. Susumu Kamanaga [4]. Tis article will address some of the more interesting implementations of Smart Buildings and Smart Transport. Te focus will be on the front-end sensors as without them the ability to measure vital parameters including strain and vibration, a solution for data acquisition and control, would not be possible.
<< Figure 2a: Te Nest Termostat uses seven different sensors including temperature, humidity and presence sensors to determine the conditions of a home and its occupants resulting in ‘self programming’ room temperatures to maximise comfort and save energy. Courtesy: Nest. >>
<< Figure 2b: Te University of Michigan Bob and Bety Beyster Computer Science Building has recently been instrumented with 15 wireless sensor nodes consisting of temperature, humidity and CO2
sensors to create a test
bed to model monitor and optimise HVAC performance. Courtesy: University of Michigan WIMSS. >>
Smart Buildings
Smart Buildings provide their inhabitants with a quality and comfortable living or working environment, increased safety and security while operating in an energy-efficient fashion. One of the more interesting smart building applications for home use is the Nest ‘learning’ Termostat (figure 2). Te ‘learning’ thermostat consists of seven sensors (none of which are MEMS-based) including ones that measure temperature and humidity as well as presence sensors that determine the status of occupancy of the home. Te really unique feature of the $249 product is its ability to intelligently programme the heating/cooling system of a home, based on occupant usage history. Tere is no need to formally programme different temperatures for different days of the week and different times; the Nest’s ‘brain’ a.k.a. micro controller does it all for you. It can also be remotely programmed from your computer/tablet or phone. No wonder Google paid $3.2 Billion for this small company in late 2013.
40 | commercial micro manufacturing international Vol 7 No.6
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