NETWORKED EVERYTHING

The Internet of Things revolution is here, with everything from washing machines and heat-pump thermostats to garden sprinklers and security cameras connecting over the internet for remote control and data gathering.

The debut of 5G, or fifth-generation mobile networks, in a couple of years’ time will support a proliferation of internet-connected gadgets. The technology is particularly well-suited to supporting multiple connected devices transmitting at high speed in real time.

Sensors attached to agricultural infrastructure, coupled with satellite and weather data, is also driving precision, saving water on farm irrigation as it is applied with greater efficiency.

Tech start-up Sentinel uses artificial intelligence and machine-learning tools to make sense of the data from the water-tank sensors. It can estimate future water needs based on past usage and send an alert to a local water supplier when a tank runs low. “We are connecting tank owners to water suppliers to ensure tanks are always filled,” says Zach.

Other data feeds also could be included, such as medium and long-term weather forecasts, and even water-quality data if additional tank sensors are provided. That last factor could help take Sentinel international as many countries, particularly in the developing world, struggle to provide water free of contaminants.

A sensor could sample water for common contaminants like nitrate or arsenic.

“A big problem on farms is rats climb into the tanks, die and contaminate the water supply and the cows get sick,” says Zach.

“In future builds, we are looking to add in sensors for weather forecasting at an incredibly local level, but also the temperature and, potentially, the pH and acidity.”