Dr. Norman Zhou, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, has partnered with Dr. George Shaker in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering on research that has created low-powered sensors that can use an existing 5G network and satellite-enabled networks to send critical information, activated only by their environment, making it accessible in rural areas.
So far, the researchers have found that the technology can improve structural leak detection, especially in rural areas. When water touches the leak, a sensor harvests energy directly from it. It generates enough electricity to send a radio alert over a 5G network to notify the appropriate parties of a leak.
This sensor technology opens other doors to commercial use in condos, businesses, and even data centres, helping notify parties when a leak becomes a problem and prompting action.
Learn more about the project in Breakthrough battery-free sensor has the potential for a direct satellite uplink in Waterloo News.