Conversational AI enables machines to respond in a human-like manner. These intelligent systems are designed to understand intent and context, remember user preferences, and engage in meaningful conversations. 


High-Performance MEMS Microphones for Conversational AI: Unlocking New Potential for Voice-Enabled Assistants

<p id="isPasted">Although &ldquo;fixed position lighting&rdquo; was recorded in Beijing as far back as 500 B.C., and London and Amsterdam introduced public street lighting in the 16<sup>th</sup> Century, Paris set the example of widespread street lighting. First, King of France, Louis XV, introduced oil lamps into the city in the mid 18<sup>th</sup> Century; then mass gas lighting was introduced in 1818 followed by electric lighting in 1878<sup>[1]</sup>. Since then, public street lighting has become an essential infrastructure for every city.</p><p>Back when the Parisian utility engineers were doing their work, the job of the streetlight was to make navigating dark city roads safer and more convenient. Today streetlights still perform that vital task, but in addition, city authorities are looking to maximize the potential of this ubiquitous piece of street furniture by using it as a keystone of the smart city. By adding connectivity and computing power to widespread existing infrastructure, streetlights can become intelligent and do much more than just light the way.</p><h2><strong>The benefits of smart poles</strong></h2><p>Smart lighting company Signify reports that replacing conventional street lighting with energy-efficient LEDs is an effective way to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions. Just by switching conventional public lights to LEDs yields a 50 percent reduction in energy consumption. But when those same lights incorporate connectivity allied to automatic dimming and presence detection, the energy savings can by upwards of 90 percent.</p><p>So-called smart poles can optimize their own power consumption and provide feedback on the operational status of the LED array producing the illumination. But more than that, smart poles also provide a platform for a suite of sensors with edge processing capabilities. Each streetlight has the potential to include sidewalk surveillance and traffic cameras, air quality monitoring, weather monitoring, flood detection, information displays, contact with the emergency services, public announcements, and even Wi-Fi hotspots and electric vehicle (EV) charging.</p><h2><strong>State of the market</strong></h2><p>Already valued by Grand View Research at $8.90 billion in 2022, the smart pole market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8 percent from 2023 to 2030. By that year, there are anticipated to be more than 10.8 million smart poles across the globe, says analyst ABI research.</p><p>Ambitious smart pole programs are underway in China, Korea, and India among other Asian countries. China&rsquo;s smart pole market, for example, was already valued at $17 billion by the end of 2020, according to the <em>China Daily&nbsp;</em>newspaper. In Europe, the EU&rsquo;s Humble Lamppost Project also aims to upgrade 10 million lampposts across EU conurbations to &ldquo;kickstart&rdquo; smart cities. The political body estimates that up to 50 percent of a city&rsquo;s energy bill is made up of street lighting costs, and that up to &euro;1.9 billion ($2.07 billion) could be saved through the move to LED lighting across Europe.</p><p>In the U.S., a &ldquo;digital transformation project&rdquo; was announced in 2021 by the City of Hampton in Virginia, which will involve replacing street lighting with solar powered poles. These poles will offer charging ports and Wi-Fi access and will be equipped with security cameras.</p><p>And several major brands are getting involved with smart poles &ndash; some key vendors of relevant technology include Verizon, Huawei, and Nokia (according to ABI research).</p><h2><strong>Using sensors to make cities smarter</strong></h2><p>There are several factors contributing to this booming market. The most important is the energy savings the smart poles bring that not only cut carbon emissions but also save a city&rsquo;s citizens money.</p><p>Smart poles can analyze natural lighting trends using light sensors, to provide necessary illumination but without wasting electricity. For instance, throughout the summer the sun will rise earlier and set later, meaning that streetlights only need to be on for shorter periods. With automatic light detection the poles can adjust to these changes. Yet on overcast days, or in areas that experience more shade, the lights can compensate for the lower lights levels and increase safety by coming on earlier and staying for longer, even within regular &ldquo;daylight&rdquo; hours.</p><p>Elsewhere, smart poles can enable predictive maintenance. The connectivity allows for fast and frequent reporting of the overall health of the LED lighting&mdash;such as its illumination output and energy consumption&mdash;and the information can be used to predict failure ahead of it happening. Maintenance crews can then be dispatched to replace the LEDs. In addition to bringing cost benefits, predictive maintenance improves safety because it ensures areas of the city aren&rsquo;t plunged into darkness.</p><p>And as traffic congestion in many major cities grows worse, monitoring air pollution becomes more important. Smart poles can use sensors to monitor the carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>), and sulphur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>) that&rsquo;s emitted from vehicle exhausts. Then, policymakers can be made aware of the times and regions that are regularly plagued with poor air quality and introduce initiatives to reduce the problem.</p><p>As street lighting originally had the purpose of increasing the safety of the general population, it&rsquo;s only appropriate that smart poles continue to enhance public wellbeing. By including more security cameras and monitoring street traffic, smart poles can help protect individuals. For example, using an audio sensor, smart poles can even detect significant events like the sound of a gunshot and then notify law enforcement.</p><h2><strong>Data processing</strong></h2><p>Modern connectivity solutions such as Nordic nRF91 Series SiPs, LTE-M/NB-IoT <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Low-power-cellular-IoT" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cellular IoT</a> and <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/DECT-NR?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DECT NR+</a> products, are equipped with powerful microprocessors, ample memory, and machine learning (ML) algorithms that allow sensor information to be analyzed locally. Then, only notable information is forwarded to the Cloud. By only transmitting when necessary, cellular IoT devices can reduce power consumption and save on data charges.</p><p>For instance, smart poles may detect no foot traffic on a sidewalk for long periods during the night and will therefore not send any data. However, if there is suddenly evidence of several people running quickly down the road at an unusual hour, this data can be transmitted to the authorities for investigation. Or perhaps the smart pole detects no unusual noises until a vehicle loses control on a slippery surface and hits a wall. Such an event would be worth reporting among an otherwise unchanging stream of data.</p><h2><strong>The power of wireless in smart cities</strong></h2><p>Cellular IoT connectivity is an ideal technology for connecting smart poles. For instance, even though streetlights are connected to mains power, the nRF9160 SiP can run from small batteries for long periods, making it easier and more convenient to retrofit connectivity to legacy installations. Cellular IoT also offers the convenience of &ldquo;plug-and-play&rdquo; connectivity, kilometer plus range, and reliable service. And the near-ubiquity, maturity, and security of cellular infrastructure (especially in major cities where smart poles are often deployed) makes cellular IoT a compelling option.</p><p>By combining cellular IoT and standard protocols such as LwM2M (Lightweight Machine-to-Machine - which is included in Nordic&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-software/nRF-Connect-SDK?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nRF Connect SDK</a>), smart cities can leverage a fully standardized IPv6 end-to-end solution for smart cities.</p><p>Widespread cellular infrastructure also opens up the opportunity to introduce the benefits of smart poles beyond the city into towns and smaller settlements so that a greater portion of the population can benefit from this technology. Combining with Bluetooth LE, each pole becomes a gateway, to which low power Bluetooth LE sensors can be connected.</p><p>In addition to cellular IoT, DECT NR+ will play an important role in street lighting applications. For high density areas or regions without cellular coverage, or whenever smart cities do not want to rely on a mobile network operator (MNO), it is now possible to use the Nordic <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF9161" rel="noopener" target="_blank">nRF9161</a> to implement private 5G networks to interconnect street poles, and then provide a connection to the Cloud using gateways.</p><p>Streetlighting has been a fundamental part of our city for hundreds of years, keeping us safe and making life easier. By adding connectivity, whether NB-IoT/LTE-M/DECT NR+/Bluetooth LE, this established infrastructure can now do so much more for a city&rsquo;s population while at the same time helping us address the challenges of climate change by cutting carbon emissions.</p><p><em id="isPasted">Reference:</em><em><a href="https://bonjourparis.com/lifestyle/how-louis-xiv-switched-on-the-city-of-light/" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://bonjourparis.com/lifestyle/how-louis-xiv-switched-on-the-city-of-light/</a></em></p><hr><p>This article was first published on Nordic&#39;s&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.nordicsemi.com/getconnected" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" id="isPasted"></a><a href="https://blog.nordicsemi.com/getconnected?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Get Connected Blog</a>. &nbsp;</p>

Smart lighting company Signify reports that replacing conventional street lighting with energy-efficient LEDs is an effective way to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions.

How 'smart poles' can save energy and enhance smart cities of the future

<h2 id="isPasted">The challenge</h2><p id="isPasted">The <a href="https://wevlv.co/wevolver-hackster" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Build2gether Inclusive Innovation Challenge</strong></a> is an engineering contest that aims to create assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities. The challenge is offering more than 50 rewards, including an Inclusive Innovation Challenge Ultimate Award of $10,000. The contest is global, with judges and contest masters from the US, Europe, and Asia.</p><p><strong>Objective</strong>: To identify gaps in current assistive technologies and design innovative engineering solutions that cater to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.</p><p><strong>Themes</strong>: The contest focuses on three main themes:</p><ol><li>Gaming for people with mobility impairments</li><li>Traveling for people with mobility impairments</li><li>Swimming for people with visual impairments</li></ol><p><strong>Submission</strong>: Participants can submit up to three different solutions, one for each theme. Each submission will be evaluated on a 100-point scale.</p><p><a href="https://wevlv.co/wevover-hackster" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="button-main-action">Read more about how to enter.</a></p><h3 id="isPasted"><strong>Key Dates</strong></h3><table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 50.0000%;"><strong>EVENT</strong></td><td style="width: 50.0000%;"><strong>DATE</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;"><p>Engineering challenge begins</p></td><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;"><p>July 20, 2023</p></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;"><p>Applications for hardware close</p></td><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;"><p>September 17, 2023</p></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;"><p>Hardware recipients announced</p></td><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;"><p>September 24, 2023</p></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;"><p>Submissions close</p></td><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;"><p>November 30, 2023</p></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;"><p>Winners announced</p></td><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;"><p>December 20, 2023</p></td></tr></tbody></table><h3 id="isPasted"><strong>Prizes</strong></h3><p>A total of more than 50 rewards, including the Inclusive Innovation Challenge Ultimate Award of $10,000, will be awarded to innovative projects.&nbsp;</p><p>The Inclusive Innovation Challenge Ultimate Award carries a cash prize of $10,000. &nbsp;and is determined by the total number of points accumulated from all submissions. Accumulate as many points as you can by submitting up to three solutions, one for each theme.</p><h2><strong>An inclusive and equitable future</strong></h2><h3 id="isPasted"><strong>Judging and community feedback</strong></h3><p>The Contest Masters, who are individuals with disabilities passionate about assistive technologies, will judge the solutions. Participants can interact with them via Discord channels to better understand the needs and problems faced by the disability community.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk0MTY2OTEyNDEzLW1hc3RlcnMuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></p><p>The contest emphasizes the importance of collaboration with the disability community and aims to involve them in every stage of product design and prototyping. It seeks to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all by connecting engineers working on assistive technologies with the communities who will use their products. Register for the challenge to be granted access to the Discord channels where you can connect with the Contest Masters.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://wevlv.co/wevover-hackster" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="button-main-action">Learn more about the challenge and how to enter HERE.</a></p>

Identify gaps in current assistive technologies and design innovative solutions that cater to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Win great prizes. 

Build2gether Inclusive Innovation Challenge

Sensors to monitor and regulate indoor air quality can have a positive impact on home, work, and school environments. Image Source: EPA 

Air Quality Indexes (AQIs) are used to measure the concentration of pollutants like particulate matter and other harmful substances in the air outside. 

Breathing Better: Using Environmental Sensors to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Sensor and actuator networks are systems that collect and transmit data from a physical environment for digital processing. Data is collected at sensors and actuators in the field, then digitized at the sensor or actuator. The digitized data can be used for a variety of applications, and the method for data processing depends on the application

IoT Solutions for Distributed Field-Level Sensor and Actuator Networks

<p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Environments where robots are being applied are becoming more complex and dynamix, which requires the development of more flexible and advanced vision and localization functions. An essential capability of robots operating in uncontrolled environments is identifying their surrounding. One solution to achieve this is the use of Time of Flight (ToF) imaging sensors with spot and flood illumination options.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">ToF sensors enable robotic applications to image their environment and create a 3D map of their surrounding. Letting the robot know what objects are close as well as gain detailed information about their size, shape and edges. For example, a robotic vacuum cleaner could use this information to understand whether it can drive underneath a sofa or cabinet and clean there as well.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">This article explores how ToF imaging sensors work, their applications and benefits for robotics.</p><h1 dir="ltr">Introducing ToF 3D Image Sensors and Working Principles</h1><p dir="ltr">ToF is an active measurement, meaning that modulated light is emitted by a laser source next to the ToF imager, and the ToF sensor receives the light reflected from the objects in the scene. Infrared (IR) light, e.g at 940nm, is usually used in these applications since it is invisible to humans. ToF imaging sensors currently available on the market are based on two measurement principles: direct and indirect ToF.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Direct ToF measurement</h3><p dir="ltr">For direct ToF measurements, the laser source emits short laser pulses, and the ToF sensor measures the delay between the emitted and the reflected laser pulse. The time delay between the pulse emission and the detection in the sensor (time of flight) is converted into a distance measurement to rebuild a 3D scene. The imaging sensors for direct ToF measurements is more complex as fast detectors (SPADs) are needed and on-chip histograms have to be calculated to enable the necessary peak finding correlating with object surfaces.</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 304px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkyMTIyMTgwNDEwLXRvZiAxLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 302px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">The simple mechanism of direct ToF sensor. Image credit: [1]</span></span></span></p><h3 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Indirect ToF measurement</h3><p>For indirect ToF measurements, the laser source, usually vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL), emits modulated infrared (IR) light with a wavelength between 850 and 940 nm. VCSEL is used over LEDs because they present better results when operating with modulation frequencies of 80 to 100 MHz and have a narrow optical spectrum<a href="https://www.rutronik.com/article/vcsels-for-tof-applications-how-vcsels-can-be-best-put-to-use" target="_blank">2</a>. &nbsp;The ToF sensor captures the reflected signal through its lens and each pixel compares the emitted modulated signal with the captured from received from the scene. The fast global shutter ToF pixel collects the amount of light overlapping with the emitted signal and the amount arriving later. From this information the phase shift between both signals is then determined. For indirect ToF so called phase images are the output of the sensor. Depending on sensor and application 2, 3 and 4 phase-based approaches are used. The advantage of indirect ToF is that no on-chip processing is required.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkyMTIyMjQyMzQzLTAxIGltYWdlLTAyICgyKSAoMSkuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Detectors collect light alternately from the object of interest. Image credit: [1]</span></span></span></p><h3>ToF sensors output data</h3><p dir="ltr">In both measurement methods, the measured data is converted on-chip into a digital representation, phase images for indirect ToF and histograms followed by peak finding for direct ToF. Then, the representation is transferred to an application processor (AP) as raw 3D data either via MIPI-CSI-2 or parallel (PIF) interfaces. By processing the raw data, the AP provides two images, a depth map and an amplitude image. The depth map contains the depth information for each pixel that is the distance at this pixel between the object and the camera. The amplitude image contains the amplitude information, representing the brightnessof the object at that position. Sophisticated systems can also provide additional images, such as a confidence image indicating each pixel&#39;s quality measures.</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkyMTIyMzU0MTI3LXRvZiAzLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Time-of-Flight block diagram. Image credit: Infineon.</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Depending on the application, a ToF sensor can be combined with an RGB image. In this case, algorithms can combine the RGB and depth images to obtain 3D representations of the scene and its objects containing both depth and color information. This allows advanced application functions such as object recognition to e.g. let the robot decide if the object is e.g. a toy that should not be touched by driving with a safety distance around it or a cabinet that should cleaned closeby. Or face authentication identifying persons based on their facial biometrics in a reliable and secure way.</p><h1 dir="ltr">Benefits of ToF Sensors</h1><p dir="ltr">ToF sensors replace contact and proximity sensors, featuring a high accuracy that allows the detection of small objects thanks to the high number of pixels available. Another advantage of ToF sensors over contact sensors is the absence of mechanically moving parts, which reduces maintenance requirements. In particular for robotics existing LDS (laser distance scanning) sensors are bulky, expensive and have mechanically rotating mirror. ToF imaging sensors are much smaller, more cost effective and do not need mechanically moving parts.</p><p dir="ltr">ToF sensors can also be used in darkness and strong sunlight conditions due to their ambient light robustness. Furthermore, these sensors present a wide distance range, being capable of detecting objects up to 10m away. This feature enables their use for indoor and outdoor applications. Finally, the small camera dimensions enable integration into smaller robots such as consumer robot vacuum cleaners or drones.</p><h1 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">ToF Sensors Role in Robotics Application</h1><p dir="ltr">ToF sensors benefit different robotic applications, including: &nbsp;</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Smart obstacle avoidance</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Navigation and path planning</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">3D mapping and localization (SLAM)</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Wall following</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Hand and finger gesture recognition</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Object or person tracking</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Object picking&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Cliff detection</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr">Each application has its own complexity and specific focus, and ToF sensors can cover them excellently.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Smart obstacle avoidance</h2><p dir="ltr">Examples of smart obstacle-avoidance applications include vacuum cleaners, transport/logistic robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), robot forklifts, and warehouse systems. By using ToF sensors, robots can precisely detect the distance to objects in their surroundings. Unlike other technologies, ToF sensors do not require specific training to detect particular obstacles and object borders can be easily extracted from the 3D ToF images. Furthermore, ToF systems with wide field-of-view cameras make it feasible to detect even small obstacles.</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1692122629739-tof+bear.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Obstacle segmentation using ToF sensor. Image credit: Infineon.</span></span></span></p><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Localization and mapping for robots/drones (SLAM)</h2><p dir="ltr">ToF sensors are utilized in drone or robot-based 3D mapping solutions to provide precise long-range depth information and high-resolution 3D maps due to their high frame rate. This allows the generating of a 3D point cloud, where each point represents a unique point on the surface ofan object with its own set of Cartesian coordinates.The point cloud is used by SLAM algorithms to generate a precise map of the robot&rsquo;s environment and localize the robot itself in this map.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Human interaction robots</h2><p dir="ltr">The depth and amplitude images generated based on ToF data can be used that robots know the human presence, identify persons and determine their location. Depending on its application, the robots can identify intruders or use the 3D point cloud data to understand and respond to human gestures, even detecting subtle movements of the fingers of a person. Moreover, in advanced applications, the robot could identify family members based on biometrics.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Other applications</h2><p dir="ltr">The depth information provided by ToF measurements improves the success rate of robots used to manipulate, pick up and deliver objects. A ToF sensor provides more robust data than traditional sensors, thus also improving the so called cliff detection of robots avoiding them to fall off stairs or other edges.</p><h1 dir="ltr">ToF Imaging Sensors from Infineon</h1><p dir="ltr">An attractive option in the market for ToF sensors is the <a href="https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/product/sensor/tof-3d-image-sensors/" target="_blank">REAL3&trade; image sensor family</a>. It is developed by Infineon Technologies in collaboration with <a href="https://pmdtec.com/en/" target="_blank">pmdtechnologies</a>, a premium partner company from Infineon. These sensors use infrared light for ToF-based depth sensing and facilitate a sophisticated ToF pixel with SBI and microlenses for each pixel for a better sensitivity.. The sensors allow a fast readout via MIPI CSI-2. In addition, the power consumption is low, extending the operation time for battery driven devices.</p><p dir="ltr">The REAL3 sensors provide high image quality with up to VGA resolution and an enhanced sensing range of up to 10 m, making it possible to build 3D maps in real time. The sensor uses SBI (suppression of background light) technology to boost the ambient light robustness, being capable of working even in bright sunlight conditions. Thus, the features and parameter configuration allow the REAL3 to adapt fast to new operating environments.</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 302px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1692122726052-tof+final.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Principles of work and usage of REAL3&trade; 3D image sensors. Image credit: Infineon.</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">The Infineon portfolio of ToF sensor products is designed to cater to diverse markets. The REAL3 sensor family is commercially available for consumer and automotive applications, with ASIL B/ISO26262 qualification. Each REAL3 model has different resolutions optimized for different applications, covering the requirements of several <a href="https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/product/sensor/tof-3d-image-sensors/tof-3d-image-sensors-for-consumer/" target="_blank">consumer</a>, <a href="https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/product/sensor/tof-3d-image-sensors/tof-3d-image-sensors-for-automotive/" target="_blank">automotive</a>, and <a href="https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/product/sensor/tof-3d-image-sensors/tof-3d-image-sensors-for-consumer/" target="_blank">industrial</a> applications. To make it easier for you to start your project quickly, Infineon has an extensive <a href="https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/product/sensor/tof-3d-image-sensors/#!partners" target="_blank">list of partners</a> specialized in software and hardware worldwide.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Developers can also benefit from the solutions offered by the partnership between pmdtechnologies and Infineon. The <a href="https://3d.pmdtec.com/en/3d-cameras/flexx2/" target="_blank">flexx2 family</a> is a development kit for prototyping, research, and mass production, featuring Infineon&#39;s latest ToF image sensor for precise depth-sensing. Flexx2 can be connected to Linux or Windows operating systems with USB 3.0. From the industrial perspective, the <a href="https://3d.pmdtec.com/en/ecosystem/" target="_blank">O3R platform</a> is a starting point for developing robotics solutions, such as autonomous vehicles, for the industrial environment. It can support up to 6 3D ToF cameras with Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 and CAN connections for other sensors.</p><h1 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Conclusion</h1><p dir="ltr">Precisely detecting the surrounding environment and safely performing tasks have been crucial capabilities to be developed in robots. Sensors using ToF measurements are a very efficient solution for such applications.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">The REAL3&trade; image sensor family is an excellent example of high-quality ToF-based sensors. They are manufactured with cutting-edge technologies that improve detection capabilities for different conditions and applications. As the use of robots is growing, exploring and taking advantage of these sensors can benefit the development of future products.</p><h1 dir="ltr">References</h1><ol><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Fatima Khalid, 2022. &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/tof-3d-image-sensors-are-changing-the-way-we-engage-with-photography-and-mixed-reality" target="_blank">ToF 3D image sensors are changing the way we engage with photography and mixed reality</a>&rdquo;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Rutronik, 2022. &ldquo;<a href="https://www.rutronik.com/article/vcsels-for-tof-applications-how-vcsels-can-be-best-put-to-use" target="_blank">VCSELs for ToF Applications - How VCSELs can be best put to use</a>&rdquo;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Tobias Rothermel, Walter Bell, 2022. &ldquo;<a href="https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/console/apollox/mainEvent?&eventid=4026408&sessionid=1&username=&partnerref=&format=fhvideo1&mobile=&flashsupportedmobiledevice=&helpcenter=&key=4798DA12B2C2875E862D7C41274D3149&newConsole=true&nxChe=true&newTabCon=true&consoleEarEventConsole=false&text_language_id=en&playerwidth=748&playerheight=526&eventuserid=598343268&contenttype=A&mediametricsessionid=521386407&mediametricid=5673041&usercd=598343268&mode=launch" target="_blank">Building robots is hard! How to build a smarter robot faster with Time-of-Flight</a>&rdquo;.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Infineon, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/product/sensor/tof-3d-image-sensors/tof-3d-image-sensors-for-consumer/" target="_blank">ToF 3D image sensors for consumer and industrial</a>&rdquo;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Infineon, 2023. &ldquo;<a href="https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/about-infineon/press/market-news/2023/INFPSS202302-067.html" target="_blank">New i-ToF imager enables smallest 3D camera systems with improved quantum efficiency at optimized cost</a>&rdquo;</p></li></ol>

Exploring the working principles, applications, and benefits of ToF sensors in robotics.


Revolutionizing Robotics with ToF Sensors for High-Accuracy 3D Imaging and SLAM

In this episode, we discuss the accidental discovery of how amputees can sense temperature in their phantom limbs and how EPFL researchers have exploited this to develop the first generation of prosthetics that can feel.

Podcast: Amputees Feel Warmth In Their Missing Hand

<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Introduction</h2><p dir="ltr">In a bid to address the rising concern of traffic-related fatalities and injuries, the <a href="https://www.tinyml.org/event/tinyml-hackathon-2023-pedestrian-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Global tinyML Traffic Hackathon</a> is set to take place in partnership with the City of San Jos&eacute;&#39;s Vision Zero program. With pedestrian fatalities constituting a significant portion of traffic-related deaths, the hackathon aims to leverage the power of energy efficient Machine Learning (tinyML) to detect pedestrians and create innovative solutions for enhancing traffic safety.[1] &nbsp;This article delves into the key details of the hackathon, the technology engineer&rsquo;s will be utilizing &nbsp;and its potential impact on traffic safety.</p><h1 dir="ltr">What is the Global tinyML Traffic Hackathon?</h1><p dir="ltr">San Jos&eacute;, the heart of Silicon Valley, is collaborating with the tinyML Foundation, Sony, and the City&#39;s Department of Transportation to launch the Global tinyML Traffic Hackathon. &nbsp;&ldquo;You can help San Jose develop new traffic safety tools to reduce injuries and deaths on our roadways. We&rsquo;re partnering with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/tinyml/" target="_blank">tinyML Foundation</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sony/" target="_blank">Sony</a> to launch a Global Traffic Safety Hackathon focused on developing AI-based systems that can reliably detect pedestrians during the day and night. &ldquo; &ndash; said Matt Mahan, Mayor, City of San Jose. This digital event running from May 19 to September 15, 2023 brings together minds from around the world to tackle the pressing challenge of pedestrian safety. With traffic fatalities more than doubling since 2012 in San Jos&eacute;, there is an urgent need for cost-effective and accurate solutions to detect pedestrians, especially during nighttime conditions.[2]&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">The hackathon is prompting engineers to develop a tiny ML based solution to detect pedestrians and others. The best ideas will receive cash prizes up to $3000.&nbsp;</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">If you are an engineer working on with TinyML and have ideas how to increase traffic and pedestrian safety, learn how to submit your project <a href="https://challenge.aiforgood.itu.int/match/matchitem/77" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The hackathon is providing lots of reseourses &nbsp;to support entrants including free license to Edge Impulse. Read more about the forums and support <a href="https://challenge.aiforgood.itu.int/match/matchitem/77" target="_blank">here.&nbsp;</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">For a chance to win the tinyML Challenge you must submit a fully functional pedestrian detection project by September 15, 2023.&nbsp;</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J1NYQaQe7M8?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-9="true" id="766059579" title="tinyML Pedestrian Hackathon Kickoff 2023 - Pedestrian Detection" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true"><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span></iframe></span></p><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">The Role of tinyML and Vision Zero</h2><p dir="ltr">tinyML is an emerging technology that enables machine learning models to run on low-power microcontrollers and microprocessors without relying on network infrastructure. This makes tinyML ideal for deploying smart systems that can improve various aspects of our daily lives. The hackathon leverages this technology to build cutting-edge pedestrian detection systems.</p><p dir="ltr">The Global tinyML Traffic Hackathon aligns with San Jos&eacute;&#39;s Vision Zero program&mdash;a city initiative focused on substantially reducing traffic fatalities and injuries. Pedestrians form the largest group of traffic fatalities, accounting for about 17% of traffic deaths in 2021 in the US, with a considerable number of incidents occurring during nighttime.[3] &nbsp;Vision Zero has a goal of zero fatalities on the roads, with San Jose Department of Transportation&#39;s Colin Heyne saying that no other goal is acceptable.[4] By harnessing tinyML&#39;s capabilities, participants are challenged to devise solutions that enhance pedestrian safety and prevent tragic accidents.&nbsp;</p><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zmBeWFK8WfI?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-9="true" id="835313057" title="Slow Down, San José campaign video" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true"><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span></iframe></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">As a new technology that enables machine learning models to operate on low-power microcontrollers without requiring network connectivity, tinyML opens up a world of possibilities for real-time and cost-effective solutions. By running these models directly on edge devices such as cameras and sensors, the need for constant data transmission to centralized servers is eliminated, resulting in reduced latency and enhanced response times.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr">The Hackathon Challenge and Criteria</h2><p dir="ltr">The hackathon tasks participants with developing tinyML-based solutions to detect pedestrians and other road users. The primary focus is on accurate detection, especially when pedestrians are difficult to distinguish from bicyclists, particularly at night. The city of San Jos&eacute; has provided example locations for participants to consider, including major intersections and areas with significant pedestrian activity.</p><p dir="ltr">To ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation, the hackathon&#39;s judging criteria encompass various aspects of the proposed solutions, such as project documentation, relevance to the challenge, complete bill of materials, dataset explanation, model explanations, and performance evaluations. The judging panel will also consider the installation process, maintenance requirements, and creativity exhibited in the solutions.[5]</p><h1 dir="ltr">tinyML and Vision Zero&#39;s Impact and Potential</h1><p dir="ltr">The tinyML Foundation, a non-profit organization, has played a substantial role in promoting TinyML across the globe. With over 16,000 members from 40+ countries participating in the foundation&#39;s monthly meetups (<a href="https://www.meetup.com/pro/tinyml/" target="_blank">tinyML | Meetup Pro</a>), the hackathon has garnered immense attention and engagement. The collaboration with Sony Semiconductor further underscores the industry&#39;s recognition of the significance of tinyML in shaping the future of traffic safety.[6]&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">San Jos&eacute;&#39;s Vision Zero program, together with the Global tinyML Traffic Hackathon, has the potential to revolutionize traffic safety and significantly reduce pedestrian fatalities. By harnessing the power of tinyML, cameras deployed throughout the city will be equipped with AI software to gather valuable quantitative data about pedestrian presence and movement patterns. This predictive approach allows for proactive measures to be implemented, preventing accidents before they occur.</p><p dir="ltr">Collaborating with global communities through the hackathon fosters innovation and knowledge-sharing, leading to cutting-edge advancements in traffic safety technology. The winning solutions stand to receive substantial cash prizes of up to $3,000, with additional recognition for the best use of Edge Impulse technology.</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 758px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkxNjU2NjI0OTQ5LTE2OTE2NTY2MjQ5NDkucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" width="602" id="isPasted" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 756px;"><span class="fr-inner">Rob Lauer, developed a ML-Powered Speed Trap to gauge the frequency of dangerous driving behaviors along his local streets. Image credit: Edge Impulse/Rob Lauer.</span></span></span></p><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Conclusion</h2><p dir="ltr">The Global tinyML Traffic Hackathon, in collaboration with the City of San Jos&eacute;&#39;s Vision Zero program, represents a practical &nbsp;step forward in the journey towards improving traffic safety. With the collaboration of leading organizations and bright minds from across the globe, this hackathon has the potential to develop groundbreaking solutions in traffic safety, reducing fatalities and injuries, and making streets more intelligent. This exciting event is a testament to the fact that innovation, collaboration, and technology are the keys to a future with zero traffic fatalities.</p><p dir="ltr">Participants in the Global tinyML Traffic Hackathon are reminded to submit their fully functional pedestrian detection projects before the final deadline on Friday, September 15, 2023, for a chance to win the coveted tinyML Challenge and cash prizes of up to $3,000.</p><p dir="ltr">For all the details and to join the contest, <a href="https://wevlv.co/tinyMLHack" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">click here</a>. Check out the first event information talk <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1NYQaQe7M8&t=2s&ab_channel=tinyML" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="isPasted">Edge AI Technology Report</h2><p>The tinyML foundation recently partnered with Wevolver to launch the <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-edge-ai-technology-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Edge AI Technology Report</a>, this report, contributed by leading industry experts and researchers, aims to provide a thorough overview of the current status of AI.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Click through to read each of the report&#39;s chapters.&nbsp;</p><h3><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-edge-ai-technology-report-chapter-i-overview-of-industries-application-use-cases/draft" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chapter I: Overview of Industries and Application Use Cases</a></h3><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-edge-ai-technology-report-chapter-ii-advantages-of-edge-ai" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chapter II: Advantages of Edge AI</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-edge-ai-technology-report-chapter-iii-edge-ai-platforms" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chapter III: Edge AI Platforms</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-edge-ai-technology-report-chapter-iv-hardware-software-selection" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chapter IV: Hardware and Software Selection</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-edge-ai-technology-report-chapter-v-tinyml/draft" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chapter V: Tiny ML</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-edge-ai-technology-report-chapter-vi-edge-ai-algorithms" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chapter VI: Edge AI Algorithms</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-edge-ai-technology-report-chapter-vii-sensing-modalities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chapter VII: Sensing Modalities</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-edge-ai-technology-report-chapter-viii-case-studies" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chapter VIII: Case Studies</a></h3><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-edge-ai-technology-report-chapter-ix-challenges-of-edge-ai" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chapter IX: Challenges of Edge AI</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-edge-ai-technology-report-chapter-x-future-of-edge-ai" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chapter X: The Future of Edge AI and Conclusion</a></h3><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="305" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAPcRrP9RVseYLhuoUIXwRydH2Ox9axEGazN2nN56xz5cnhciDme_FdcJLygfLMWnP-7hsKRPw1wZeDiP_qG1CC68NgyN1j396SgHjiFEEPj7isFfb-4-gaYq-ahxL9z4vz3aOy6jtBd45lpMgjx7fd1MHgfVwoesgbgyqDeymnt2r1zBvoi_dGiDKl3QMh-0SCfvmS2jwTTd" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true"></iframe></span><br></p><h2 dir="ltr">References</h2><ol><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TrbDoVhaHo&ab_channel=KRON4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TrbDoVhaHo&amp;ab_channel=KRON4</a>&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.tinyml.org/event/tinyml-hackathon-2023-pedestrian-detection/" target="_blank">https://www.tinyml.org/event/tinyml-hackathon-2023-pedestrian-detection/</a>&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/pedestrians/data-details/#:~:text=While%20pedestrians%20accounted%20for%20about,year%2Dolds%20(1%2C343)" target="_blank">https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/pedestrians/data-details/#:~:text=While%20pedestrians%20accounted%20for%20about,year%2Dolds%20(1%2C343)</a>&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://abc7news.com/city-of-san-jose-vision-zero-initiative-hackathon-pedestrian-traffic-deaths-artificial-intelligence/13486622/" target="_blank">https://abc7news.com/city-of-san-jose-vision-zero-initiative-hackathon-pedestrian-traffic-deaths-artificial-intelligence/13486622/</a>&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://challenge.aiforgood.itu.int/match/matchitem/77" target="_blank">https://challenge.aiforgood.itu.int/match/matchitem/77</a>&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://techstrong.tv/videos/interviews/traffic-safety-hackathon-mark-hanson-sony-semiconductor" target="_blank" id="isPasted">https://techstrong.tv/videos/interviews/traffic-safety-hackathon-mark-hanson-sony-semiconductor</a></p></li></ol>

The tinyML Foundation, Sony Semiconductor, and the City of San José are teaming up to use Machine Learning in improving pedestrian safety 

Revolutionizing Traffic Safety: The Global tinyML Traffic Hackathon

The demand for compact yet energy-efficient radar sensors for remote vital sign monitoring is witnessing an exponential rise in the healthcare industry for several reasons.

Contactless Measurement of Heart Rate and Respiration Rate: Transforming Healthcare with Radar Sensors

Highlights from the 3rd Annual tinyML EMEA Innovation Forum include exploring hardware developments, algorithm optimization, and deploying MLOps tools.


Third Annual tinyML EMEA Innovation Forum: Exploring tinyML Advancements and Future Directions

Sensors are ubiquitous in our modern world, playing pivotal roles in numerous sectors. This article delves into their fundamental principles, diverse types, and their significant impact across industries.

What is a Sensor? An In-Depth Exploration and Comprehensive Guide to Engineering Principles and Applications

<section id="isPasted"><p>While there are a few buzzwords and catchphrases floating around to describe the ongoing technological transformation of production facilities, manufacturing has always had the objectives of optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring a safe work environment even before factory automation existed. But the invention of the assembly line ushered in a new age in manufacturing processes; now digitization, connectivity, and the IoT are manifesting the next frontier in factory production.</p><p>Wireless connectivity enables manufacturers to more easily rearrange their production facilities to meet specific needs, minimizing costly downtime between production runs for multiple clients. Fewer wires and cables to trip over also reduce the risk of workplace injuries and equipment malfunctions.</p><p>But wire-free production settings are just one benefit of IoT integration into manufacturing facilities.</p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690205730273-1690205730273.png" alt="Digitally monitoring inventory" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>Digitally monitoring inventory and materials with shelf sensors can help head off potential supply issues before they cause production delays, and sensors that measure repetitive stress on equipment can foresee potential repairs or wholesale replacement before a significant breakdown. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the financial and operational risks associated with unplanned production stoppages, thus safeguarding both productivity and profitability.</p><p>Measuring environmental conditions within a production facility &ndash; temperature, humidity, air quality, etc. &ndash; can help maintain healthy working conditions for human beings and machines alike. By doing so, the company not only adheres to industry and safety regulations but also improves employee satisfaction and efficiency, which directly impacts the bottom line.</p><p>Integrating the IoT into a fully or partially automated factory setting can help increase production, reduce downtime and delays, and enhance overall workplace health and safety, while simultaneously improving sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. These aspects are crucial in a world where business efficacy is increasingly linked with sustainable practices and conscious corporate social responsibility, helping a company remain competitive and appealing to both consumers and investors.</p><h2>Data-Driven Optimization</h2><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690205729771-1690205729771.png" alt="Data driven optimization" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>Modernizing and automating manufacturing settings begins in the same place as most IoT implementations&ndash; with data.<br>Recording, collating, and analyzing massive amounts of data collected from a variety of sensors is an invaluable tool in optimizing production processes. Measuring the ratio of runtime to downtime and the effects of varying the workloads on equipment and machines provides manufacturers with the information they need to optimize workflow while regulating the stress on equipment to reduce repair time and potential replacement costs.</p><p>The amount of raw information continuous monitoring and data collection can produce can be staggering &ndash; a single vibration sensor or air quality monitor taking a reading every second will produce over half a million data points in a week. The data collected could include things like bearing wear, sensor aging, and vibrational stress on motor anchor bolts. AI algorithms could use this data to predict when machine maintenance or replacement is needed, prior to an actual failure and line-down event.</p><h5><br></h5><p>Data collected from a single site has value, but if data is collected from all the manufacturers&rsquo; customers, then very accurate predictions can be made for all customers. This is, in fact, one of the things that makes MacroFab&rsquo;s technology platform and factory network so valuable to all customers.</p><p>But data in such great volume would be impossible to process without data analytics. Although the term is often used in other contexts (i.e. targeted advertising), manufacturers can use similar applications to identify patterns in the river of data being collected from multiple sources.</p><p>For example, analytic algorithms can make a connection between something as simple as the relative temperature or humidity in a manufacturing facility and the performance of equipment over time. Cooler, drier interior conditions might extend a particular machine&rsquo;s lifetime by months or even years and/or cut down on downtime and repair costs.</p><p>Processing just a few days&rsquo; worth of data collected from multiple inputs and cross-referencing them for correlations in a spreadsheet would take months, but data analytics applications can do it almost instantaneously, providing production managers with real-time insight into how their facilities are performing.</p><p>The same kind of analytics can be applied to manufacturing outputs to provide insights into the most efficient production lines for any particular kind of manufacturing process. By using statistical insights from previous jobs, MacroFab is constantly improving upon factory matching for current and future production.</p><h2>Safety and Environmental Benefits</h2><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690205730126-1690205730126.png" alt="Productivity gauge" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>Maximizing productivity (and profitability) is a big incentive in IoT manufacturing integration, but there are other benefits to workflow optimization. Inventory monitoring and supply tracking can help reduce overall waste by calculating the quantity of excess materials in a typical production run. Further, monitoring outgoing air quality can help reduce carbon gas and other emissions into the atmosphere. Consequently, this holistic approach of IoT manufacturing integration leads to a more sustainable and responsible production process, aligning the company with global efforts towards resource conservation and environmental protection.</p><p>Reducing production facilities&rsquo; environmental impact is a regulatory imperative in modern manufacturing, and many parts of the world have financial incentivization systems in place to encourage <a href="https://www.macrofab.com/documents/sustainability-challenges-electronics-manufacturing/" target="_blank">more eco-friendly production methods</a> and technologies. Therefore, the adoption of these eco-friendly strategies not only satisfies legislative requirements but also presents potential cost-saving opportunities and helps in fostering a positive corporate image.</p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690205730337-1690205730337.png" alt="Automation reduces injuries" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>Moreover, automation greatly reduces workplace injuries and other accidents &ndash; robotic arms and limbs with wider ranges of motion than previous iterations (due in part to fewer wires/cords wrapped around their exterior) can perform more complex and intricate tasks that are potentially hazardous to human health than ever before. Automated forklifts and other machines that carry cumbersome loads eliminate the need for workers to operate heavy machinery and automated vehicles that transport materials or inventory between facilities reduce collisions or property damage due to human error. This capability can significantly enhance overall production efficiency, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of workers, which in turn leads to improved morale and reduced liabilities.</p><p>The biggest savings realized from automation is time &ndash; time spent performing relatively mundane tasks, time spent repairing equipment, and time spent reconfiguring the production floor to meet the needs of a particular customer&rsquo;s production demands and schedule. This conservation of time results in a more streamlined and efficient manufacturing process, enabling quicker response to market demands, enhancing customer satisfaction, and ultimately contributing to increased revenues.</p><h2>The Future of Automation</h2><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690205730413-1690205730413.png" alt="Industry 4 0" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>As a key focus of printed circuit board assembly and manufacturing suppliers, industrial automation designs require high-quality boards with longevity and reliability. A long operational lifespan is critical to reducing costs and the environmental impact of these systems, which will remain in place for many years. A PCBA manufacturer who provides technical guidance and services that help meet or even exceed these requirements will extend the operational lifetime(s) of an industrial design and increase the overall reliability of the system.</p><p>Automating a traditional manufacturing facility can present some challenges, but successfully integrating the IoT and cyber-physical systems into production processes can be done gradually. Something as simple as networking the control of various machines and applications to a single device can make managing a production facility more time and cost-efficient. This strategy allows businesses to evolve at their own pace, mitigating the risk of operational disruption while steadily enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing competitiveness in the marketplace.</p><p>In the future, factories will be managed almost entirely remotely, or at least from an office on-site. Manufacturers will manage large networks of wirelessly connected machines, vehicles, and devices and process data with algorithms to optimize production and environmental safety in the future. The move towards this kind of digitization and automation is thus not only a futuristic concept but an inevitable trend, promising to revolutionize the manufacturing industry, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately drive substantial economic benefits.</p><h4>Explore MacroFab&#39;s Technology Platform Now</h4><a href="https://www.macrofab.com/electronics-manufacturing-platform/" target="_blank">ALL-IN-ONE ELECTRONICS</a></section><section><h4><br></h4></section>

Digitization, connectivity, and the IoT are manifesting the next frontier in factory production.

Smarter Manufacturing: Improving Safety and Efficiency with IoT

<p id="isPasted">Of all the Earth&rsquo;s precious commodities, water is the most essential to human life. And not just for drinking; over the last 12,000 years water has mainly been used to grow food. Today, more than 70 percent of the planet&rsquo;s fresh water is used by agriculture (according to World Development Indicators).&nbsp;That puts stress on resources and reduces the amount of water available for other uses, highlighting the importance of reducing the amount of water required to support crops.</p><p>But it&rsquo;s not going to be easy. Factors such as climate change are increasing the challenge. For example, the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation has forecast that by 2050, 70 percent of crops produced in sub-Saharan Africa will be grown in areas experiencing &ldquo;extreme&rdquo; heat stress. That&rsquo;s going to increase the amount of water plants need, not lower it.</p><h2><strong>Using IoT sensors to refine water use</strong></h2><p>The IoT has started to address the problem of water stress. Two reasons for agriculture&rsquo;s high usage are waste through leakage and lack of information about soil moisture levels leading to overwatering.</p><p>By detecting leaks in irrigation systems (which often use many kilometers of piping and tubing) as soon as they occur, shutting off the supply, and notifying farmers via their smartphones, wireless monitoring can both reduce water waste and lessen any damages caused by potential flooding.</p><p>To address the second problem, humidity sensors can be used to monitor soil moisture levels. This helps ensure that crops are receiving the exact amount of water they require for maximum yield, while avoiding depletion of precious water resources. The remote control offered by the IoT also helps farmers adjust irrigation using their smartphone or laptop if significant rainfall occurs.</p><p>As IoT technology evolves, automation will play a more important role by, for instance, automatically stopping the watering process once the soil has received a sufficient level of moisture. Furthermore, analysis of irrigation data transmitted to Cloud computing can help ensure that watering occurs at the optimal time (for example, overnight or at cooler times during the day) to minimize evaporation losses.</p><h2><strong>Monitoring sprinkler carts to reduce leaks</strong></h2><p>Novel irrigation applications include the <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/News/2023/04/7Sense-Irrigation-Sensor-Gen-III-uses-nRF9160-SiP?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7Sense Irrigation Sensor Gen III</a>.&nbsp;The product leverages IoT technology for both leak detection and sprinkler cart management. It employs non-intrusive flow monitoring using vibration detection to sense any loss of water, reducing waste and providing the option to reallocate the manual resources that would normally be spent monitoring irrigation systems. The wireless sensor also provides location monitoring and fleet management, notifying farmers if a cart passes a certain point, or has overturned.</p><p>Using Nordic&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/products/nrf9160?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cellular IoT SiP</a>, the product sends any leak detection notifications and location updates to the Cloud, where they can be accessed from the 7Sense app on the farmer&rsquo;s smartphone.</p><h2><strong>IoT honing flood irrigation</strong></h2><p>Another example of how the IoT can help with water management is <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/News/2023/06/DitchFlows-Land-Irrigation-Sensor-uses-Nordic-nRF9160-SiP?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DitchFlow&rsquo;s Land Irrigation Sensor</a>.&nbsp;The product is designed for use in flood irrigation and can determine when the water has reached the desired level. The product is simply inserted into the ground and can send notifications via email or text using the cellular connectivity of Nordic&rsquo;s SiP. Irrigators can then decide when to make changes (such as moving water from one area to the next).</p><p>Remote monitoring is ideal for situations like this, as farmers would ordinarily have to walk the field to check water levels, often multiple times per irrigation. Using this device, to change the settings for an irrigation channel, farmers only need to go to the ditch where the water is being delivered once they have been notified. This helps reduce the water waste caused by human miscalculations of when the water will reach a desired level.</p><h2><strong>Agriculture in the home</strong></h2><p>It&rsquo;s not just on a large scale that the IoT can be used to monitor water use and improve plant growth. <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/News/2022/09/Growgreen---Smart-Grower?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Growgreen&rsquo;s aspara Smart Grower</a> is an indoor hydroponic planter designed for domestic use, employing moisture sensors in the soil to ensure that each type of plant is receiving the ideal amount of water. The corresponding app allows the user to select the type of plant being grown so the growing conditions can be optimized. Using this technology, the company claims that the aspara Smart Grower can help plants grow up to 50 percent faster.</p><p>The device sends a notification to the user&rsquo;s smartphone via <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/products/bluetooth-low-energy?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bluetooth LE</a> when the water tank needs to be refilled. According to Growgreen, the product can reduce water use by up to 90 percent compared to traditional soil farming.</p><h2><strong>Cellular IoT &ndash; the future of smart farming</strong></h2><p>By 2035, there are expected to be 20 billion connected devices across farms worldwide, while the compound annual growth rate of the smart agriculture market in Europe is predicted to reach 10.6 percent. This growth is underpinned by IoT products that can measure and transmit a wide array of variables, and analyze data to make autonomous decisions to reduce the workload for farmers, increase yield, and minimize the required resources.</p><p>Some barriers still exist to the widespread implementation of the IoT in agriculture, largely due to the challenges of data transmission across long distances. However, as <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Low-power-cellular-IoT?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cellular IoT</a> and other massive IoT technologies such as <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/DECT-NR?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DECT NR+</a> become more ubiquitous in remote and rural areas, smart agriculture will increasingly address the challenges presented by continued population growth, land availability, climate change, and other water stress factors.</p><hr id="isPasted"><p>This article was first published on Nordic&#39;s <a href="https://blog.nordicsemi.com/getconnected" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a><a href="https://blog.nordicsemi.com/getconnected?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Get Connected Blog</a>. &nbsp;</p>

As IoT technology evolves, automation will play a more important role by, for instance, automatically stopping the watering process once the soil has received a sufficient level of moisture. Furthermore, analysis of irrigation data transmitted to Cloud computing can help ensure that watering occurs at the optimal time (for example, overnight or at cooler times during the day) to minimize evaporation losses.

Cellular IoT helps farmers use water wisely

In this episode, we talk about a combined effort between ETH Zurich & the Swiss Federal Lab for Material Science (EMPA) to create “smart” internal bandages for safely patching patients post stomach/intestinal surgery while providing insight to the medical staff about the status of the patch to prevent leakages which can be fatal.

Podcast: A Spy In The Belly

Alexandre Anthis with the hydrogel composite material of the sensor patch he developed during his doctoral thesis at ETH Zurich and Empa. (Photograph: Empa)

In this episode, we talk about a combined effort between ETH Zurich & the Swiss Federal Lab for Material Science (EMPA) to create “smart” internal bandages for safely patching patients post stomach/intestinal surgery while providing insight to the medical staff about the status of the patch to prevent leakages which can be fatal. 

20230717-Podcast: A Spy In The Belly

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The Next Byte

sensors