Advances in data transmission such as 5G technology ensures the fast dissemination of information to end users. Thanks to this technology and similar solutions, businesses and cities can notify clients or citizens of vital information like traffic updates or impending natural disasters. But as cities and operations expand to rural areas, they need to process and disseminate this information closer to its source. Otherwise, it may not reach its intended destination.
That is where embedded computing, or edge computing, comes into play.
Edge computing entails the speedy transfer of data by physically processing it closer to its source, which could be hundreds of miles from the nearest city or high in the Earth’s atmosphere. This means employing a network of servers, IoT-devices, and nodes that distribute and lower the amount of processing, power, and time needed to transmit data. Combining these capabilities into a compact, robust, power-independent device can be a challenge. Thankfully, the environmental-sensing solutions from Intellisense Systems include built-in data processing and communications in low-cost, power-efficient solutions.
Here are two ways in which Intellisense is bringing the benefits of networked edge computing to several life-critical applications:
Micro Weather Station (MWS®)
In addition to monitoring over a dozen weather parameters with high accuracy, the Micro Weather Station (MWS®) integrates data processing and communications into its rugged, compact package. This ensures that, no matter where the MWS is installed on the planet, that essential weather data reaches its intended destination. The built-in communications also work with cellular networks or the Iridium satellite constellation, which both feature embedded computer processing to swiftly and efficiently transmit weather data.
These capabilities are particularly important for small airports and unmanned airfields, which can connect remote communities to essential services like medical transportation, disaster relief, and cargo deliveries. The MWS collects weather parameters that are required for aviation operations, including visibility, wind speed and direction, and cloud layer height. It then processes these key parameters in a low-power, compact, built-in data processor so that pilots can quickly retrieve this information, even in isolated areas, and make the right decisions during takeoffs and landings. The MWS uses a hybrid architecture of cloud-based and edge computing data logging to collect, transmit, and process important weather intelligence for these vital aviation services. This enables people in rural or isolated locations can receive the products and services afforded by these aviation operations.
AWARE Flood System
Similarly, the AWARE Flood System incorporates wireless nodes that can transmit water level data via a cellular network or satellite connection. A node will collect and process data from a network of flood sensors to swiftly transmit water-level analytics to a single source, like a data visualization software. Thanks to an integrated solar power system and built-in rechargeable batteries, these nodes do not need to be connected to an external power source. With good solar exposure, they can run indefinitely.
This is particularly useful on farms and in flood plains where communication options may be limited. A network of AWARE Flood System nodes can rapidly collect, process, and transmit data to farmers and emergency services, keeping them alert to water levels and the risks of flooding.
Environmental-sensing solutions from Intellisense deliver the benefits of edge computing to dozens of important applications. Uses as far ranging as traffic cameras to drone operations to green initiatives can benefit from the edge-based computing found in Intellisense’s environmental sensors. As these infrastructure-enhancing and energy-saving projects grow in the coming decades, Intellisense can reliably and swiftly supply essential data through the edge-computing properties of its advanced and innovative products.