A platform of sensor nodes controls in real-time forest fires and traffic jams

Research work developed over two years for a spin off of the University of Zaragoza (UNIZO) has created a new device platform for the creation of Wireless Sensor Networks. The applications of these networks are great because they allow monitoring of parameters in places where it was not possible. A good example is the detection of forest fires as they can be placed on the tops of the trees with CO and CO2 sensors or accurately record the level of noise in every street of a city. In the same way their applications are advantageous for agriculture to meet hundreds of different points of field parameters such as soil moisture and temperature variations and even (micrometer) from the stems of plants like the vine when they are watered, possible to know with exactly when it has reached the optimum point of water.

From the University of Zaragoza has developed a system to reduce the maximum consumption of communications, has been achieved with the creation of protocols based on communication mechanisms used by swarms of insects such as bees and fireflies. The concept is that the whole network is synchronized so that all devices are able to send sensory information at the same time. This concept has been baptized by Libelium as "the heartbeat of the network," said David Gascon as responsible for the new sensory platform, called Waspmote.

This platform is the result of two years of research. The biggest challenge has been to reduce the consumption of the devices to a minimum, while increasing their chances communication and integration of new sensors. The results have been successful. Consumption of just 0.7 micro amps at rest sensory nodes allow live for years without interruption. On the other hand, the integration of communication modules allows high sensitivity of several kilometers communication between devices.

The final platform idea is twofold. On the one hand can be used by firms in different sectors for the creation of specific sensory nodes in each area. Furthermore, researchers can integrate any experimental sensor you are working with and control all programming options through open source development environment with which regardless of platform.