Intel® iMote - Sensor Nets / Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Comments:
This set of illustrations were created for Scientific American for inclusion in an
article about RFID devices and their various applications in various sectors.
Description:
The primary objective of the Intel® Mote research project is to build an enhanced
generation of the “mote” technology originally developed through the collaborative
efforts of the University of California Berkeley and the Intel Research Berkeley
laboratory. Motes are tiny, self-contained, battery-powered computers with radio
links, which enable them to communicate and exchange data with one another, and to
self-organize into ad hoc networks. Motes form the building blocks of wireless sensor
networks.
The Intel Mote project team seeks to create a new platform design that delivers a
high level of integration as well as low-power operation in a small physical size.
Features of the new platform include modular hardware and software design; system
power management; and low-cost, high volume production potential.
One major goal of the Intel Mote project is to collaborate with the research community
in exploring potential new applications of motes and sensor networks. With that objective
in mind, Intel’s mote design will fully support TinyOS* the operating system developed
at UC Berkeley for use in sensor networks and other embedded systems. The team is
working with TinyOS developers on enhancements that will enable users of the Intel
Mote to access its new features.
Intel Motes can serve as the building blocks for wireless sensor networks. These
networks are being deployed in a growing number of applications as diverse as agricultural
management, structure and earthquake monitoring, industrial controls, and military
applications. Potential future markets include transportation and shipping, fire
fighting and rescue operations, home automation and even interactive toys.
The Intel project team has developed a prototype of the next-generation Intel Mote.
Further research will focus on additional hardware and software improvements and
increased levels of integration. The ultimate goal is to develop an Intel Mote in
the form of a single microchip with layered components, including sensor and RF MEMS
(micro electro-mechanical systems), nonvolatile storage, digital/analog silicon,
and a battery.
The work is being conducted in collaboration with Intel Research Berkeley, Intel
Research Seattle, and other academic researchers at leading universities throughout
the U.S and worldwide. Additional collaboration with other Intel researchers focuses
on multi-hop routing and sensor gateways. Finally, Intel interacts with standards
bodies to promote low-power radio technology and consult with industry participants
in the areas of industrial and home automation and controls.
For further information:
http://www.intel.com/research/
