News archive - February 2020

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

New sensor provides better leak protection in buildings

A new, battery-free sensor can detect water leaks in buildings at a fraction of the cost of existing systems.

The tiny device, developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo, uses nanotechnology to power itself and send an alert to smartphones when exposed to moisture.

By eliminating a battery and related circuitry, researchers estimate their sensor could be commercially produced for $1 each, about a tenth of the cost of current leak detection devices on the market.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Self-powering water leak sensor invented at Waterloo

Researchers at Waterloo Engineering have developed a tiny, battery-free, self-powering sensor that could dramatically reduce the cost of protecting buildings from damaging water leaks.

The new device, housed in a box just three centimetres square, is the product of a collaboration between professors Norman Zhou and George Shaker.