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Intel iMote Wireless Module

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/

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