Project Name
Shoalhaven Water IOT LoRaWAN Standpipe
Project Summary
WaterTech’s IOT retrofit of the Shoalhaven Water standpipe provides a state-of-the-art method of reporting water consumption while tracking the device location. The retrofit consists of two main components, the LoRaWAN self-reporting system and an optional purpose built hydro-electric generator that provides charge to the system increasing the battery lifetime. The system includes real time data on water usage, power consumption and run time to provide the user with essential information about their standpipes.
Our design offers a portable battery powered device that utilises the LoRaWAN network rather than traditional telco-based networks resulting in asynchronous payloads with low size and frequency. Complete with an OLED display to inform user on real time water consumption this retrofit aims to benefit supplies as well as users. The innovative design of the hydro-electric generator allows for the standpipes to be retrofitted to actively produce power to the system while active, recharging the batteries while not impacting water flow.
Our design offers multiple advantages:
- Utilises existing framework – Utilising existing networks increases the simplicity of accessing the data sent while allowing for easy installation.
- Low cost – Entire retrofit is low cost and easily modifiable allowing for it to be implemented immediately.
- Efficient power usage – Large battery life and low consumption allows the standpipes to communicate effectively for long periods of time.
- Renewable Power generation – Hydro-Electric generator allows for greater battery life in a clean and effective manner.
Group Members
- Hayden Welsh
- Kieren Irvine
- Rachel Liao
- Henry Mitchell
- Angus Jones
Industry Sponsored
Shoalhaven Water – IOT-based Remote Standpipe Monitoring and Reporting
hw379@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
4G Shoalhaven Water Standpipe
Project Summary
The 4G Standpipe tracks water flow rate and location data, all in real-time, and stores this on our highly secure and interactive web server. DeltaFlow’s device offers a solution to Shoalhaven Water’s current real-time reporting and customer billing issues. Customers are now billed correctly based on our product’s water usage data rather than self-reporting. This enables the business to keep track of their inventory and reduce any potential cash flow problems.
The key aspects of the design include:
- A low power consuming microprocessor: Through various power modes, the device can last longer, all on its own.
- Water flow rate sensor: All use of the standpipe is tracked with high precision.
- 4G connectivity: Data can be uploaded almost anywhere.
- GPS connectivity: The device’s location is always known.
- Hosting server: All the data is stored and tracked for instantaneous access and alerts if required.
Although the device was initially designed in response to Shoalhaven Water’s issues, future licensing will enable the device to be sold to regional, national, and even international water supply services. Our product is highly versatile as it can be easily retrofitted to suit multiple standpipe widths and integrated into different geo-locational areas.
All these issues are solved with DeltaFlow’s 4G Standpipe.
Group Members
- Lachlan Campbell
- Liam Hams
- Jack Noli
- Mathew Pay
Industry Sponsored
Shoalhaven Water
lc434@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
Off-Road Vehicle Ground-Clearance Sensor System
Project Summary
A common issue with off-road driving is incorrectly estimating this proximity and damaging the vehicle or becoming stuck on objects due to insufficient ground-clearance.
This product consists of a system of wireless, battery-operated sensors which can be magnetically attached underneath vehicles to provide real-time feedback to drivers about the proximity from the underside of the vehicle to obstacles.
The ultrasonic sensors communicate in a wireless network to a central controller, which indicates object proximity though a coloured LED display. The controller can communicate with up to 6 sensors simultaneously, with individual readouts for each sensor location. The display is arranged such that it indicates positions; both left and right-hand side for front, middle and rear of the vehicle. Each sensor can be paired with to the controller in any of these locations through a simple button-operated interface. The pairing buttons serve a double purpose; they are also used to set the minimum acceptable clearance distance for each sensor.
All modules in the system are dust and waterproof to IP67 standards, and rechargeable via USB.
Group Members
- Alex Strain
Industry Sponsored
N/A
as124@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
HydroScope
Project Summary
As global warming continues to exacerbate the rise in sea levels, the frequency and severity of flooding events in Australia is expected to increase. Detailed monitoring of waterways to identify at-risk areas and form flood risk management strategies have been identified as a priority by the Australian State and Federal Governments.
The HydroScope is a prototype flood monitoring system which is capable of recording water level, current flow rate and precipitation data from inland waterways. Data recorded by the sensors will be transmitted remotely through the Australian Things Networks and be available publicly on the web. The system will be primarily installed on shore, requiring minimal land usage and having very little effect on the natural ecosystems present in Australia’s waterways. Its modular design will also allow customers to install sensors at different locations, giving Visible Water the ability to customise the system to meet the specific data requirements of each customer and adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.
Rural communities are the main target market for the HydroScope, as the data it gathers aims to provide sufficient information to give farmers and local communities prior warning to potential flooding events; allowing contingency plans to be enacted, limiting damage to properties and potentially saving lives. One of the central goals of the HydroScope is to contribute to a sustainable future by giving agency to citizens to create safe, resilient communities and preserve native flora and fauna.
Group Members
- Laura D’Alessandro
- Rebecca Eager
- Aidan Pickering
- Ashwin Subedi
- Riley Tracey
Industry Sponsored
HydroScope
lmda794@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
Energy Harvesting system to power V-DAQ load
Project Summary
As the capability and reliance of wireless sensor networks continues to grow, so too does the demand for these networks to be energy self-sufficient. The V-DAQ energy harvester is designed to harness a range of ambient energies available within the cabin of a truck to power the V-DAQ GPS tracking system. The system harvests vibrational, solar and thermoelectric energies simultaneously to maximise the use of available power. Our device will reduce, if not eliminate the user’s reliance on single use batteries and provide a ‘set and forget’ style power solution.
The energy harvesting system design further eases the installation and operation of the V-DAQ GPS tracking system making it a truly one step installation as other competitors requires a complex hard wired solution This makes the device a timesaving cost-effective power solution. Although our current aim is to power the V-DAQ GPS tracking system, we have the potential to expand our customer base to any small power wireless sensor networks by providing self-sufficiency.
Group Members
- Jan Ebonia
- Connor Doherty
- Rahul Johnson
- Minh Dang Nguyen
- Georgia Perazzolo
- Guy Widders
Industry Sponsored
V-DAQ compliance telematics
gp458@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
Canary
Project Summary
Equally capable above ground or underground, indoors, or out, Canary is a complete mobile LiDAR mapping solution. It puts an end to hazardous inspections and surveys by substituting a person with a drone in high risk environments and gain unprecedented analytical insights. The Canary payload is modular in design and is compatible with not just drones but also unmanned ground vehicles.
Canary's form factor design and holistic architecture allows it to be deployed in any situation, taking advantage of any machinery or systems that the client has access to. This will dramatically reduce the cost to deploy Canary in a new scenario and can provide all-in-one solutions for smaller companies that may not have the financial capability to use solutions currently available. Canary will provide a cheaper, user friendly solution that can be easily deployed and maintained while still providing high quality results.
The versatility of Canary leads it to being useful in almost any application. Specifically construction, mining, and environmental companies along with disaster relief are markets that have a direct and immediate need for a solution such as Canary. Remote, live footage with an accurate three-dimensional map would drastically improve existing systems for companies while also allowing them to explore new avenues in their operations.
And remember, “If you’re wary, use Canary”.
Group Members
- Akhil Ameer
- Bikram Achayra
- Mitchell Lewis
- Mason Ambrose
- Nicholas Schofield
- Wade Garin
Industry Sponsored
N/A
nes973@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
HiveLink
Project Summary
HiveLink is set to be an educational resource for use by schools that will let students interact with a hive while they learn about bees. They will be able to see live readouts for the hive in their web browser which will help to complement their learning.
The educational capabilities of the HiveLink module make it a fantastic replacement for traditional learning techniques. The lesson plan and educational resources provided with the HiveLink cover eight learning outcomes across the Science and Technology and Geography syllabuses. These learning outcomes are from the Stage 2 and Stage 3 NSW and Australian Curriculum.
The HiveLink takes advantage of the Kookaberry, a custom-built computer already providing teachers with the necessary training and skills to bring the digital world to life in their classrooms. The Kookaberry will be used in conjunction with a variety of sensors to help teach children about electronics, software design, web development and learn about bees and the how bee’s activity will change depending on varying environmental factors.
Ease of use and simplicity are at the heart of the HiveLink. To achieve this, the HiveLink uses custom, optimised, and efficient software and hardware to ensure teachers are not wasting valuable learning time. The HiveLink should always be a tool, not a burden.
Currently there exist no option for children to become so closely involved with any ecosystem and appreciate and learn from it. The HiveLink is there to fill that void as an extremely effective learning tool.
Group Members
- Reese Mortlock
- Kai Romanin
- Patrick Hutton
- Matthew McGregor
- Lachlan Maher
Industry Sponsored
AustSTEM
rm499@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
Gesture Switch
Project Summary
COVID-19 has truly shown how unhygienic the world is nowadays, the solution as we know it is, lockdowns, facemasks and copious amounts of hand sanitiser. Yet, one of the most fundamental devices you utilise everyday hasn’t been changed since its invention – the light switch. Here at DucTronics we realised that this device is utilised everywhere, at hospitals, homes, traffic lights even public restrooms. Thus, we created a device that replaces the mechanical switches as you know it and modernises it. Introducing the Gesture Switch, with the swipe of your hand and no physically touching of a switch, lights can be turned on; fans can be controlled or even smart devices can be altered.
Additionally, the Gesture Switch brings customisation to the touch of a button with its user-friendly mobile application. “Pfft swiping up to turn on the lights is lame; I want to swipe down now” with the touch of a button it instantaneously changes. Live tracking of what is on makes it easy to turn off lights you might’ve accidently left on while away from home. Usage of swipes and poles utilised is also easily and visually displayed at any time to see ways you could potentially save on electricity.
Let's not forget, this isn’t just light switches, you can set various gestures to interact with any device part of the Google Assistant ecosystem. For instance, at the wave of your hand and BOOM the latest episode of everyone's favourite show “Home and Away” streaming live to your TV via a Chromecast. One swipe, endless possibilities.
Group Members
- Rhys Blacklidge
- Diego Alvarez
- Mohammed Alshamsi
- Jack Bush
- Christian Presslaber
- Mert Aydin
Industry Sponsored
N/A
rb246@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
AADV-Ark
Project Summary
The AADV-ARK is a small and cheap aquatic device that can be controlled remotely. It is designed to provide dairy farmers the ability to accurately map the depth of liquid manure pits and measure sludge build-up in order to streamline the agitation process. The inclusion of the AADV-Ark into the maintenance schedule could decrease the frequency of unnecessary pit cleanings and provide long term data on the patterns of build-up. Having accurate maps of sludge build up will guide farmers on when manure pits are at the optimal ratio of nutrient to water for their fertilisation needs. This increases the efficiency of the use of manure pits. Future iterations of AADV-Ark’s design will include an agitation unit which will enable the pits to be agitated remotely.
The AADV-Ark offers a significant increase to the safety of workers as previous methods of determining depth require individuals to go onto the surface of the water and measure by hand. 3D maps of sludge build up will be sent by Wi-Fi to an easy to use website that farmers can access on their phones or laptops.
AADV-Ark will make it easier for farmers to benefit from a sustainable, renewable resource that is free, organic, and aids in soil regeneration.
Group Members
- Daniel Carton
- James Friend
- Jamison Naudi
- Joshua Balfour
- Patrick Northam
- Junsheng Fan
Industry Sponsored
N/A
jrb062@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
Low Power Remote People Monitor
Project Summary
People counting is an area of interest for companies and organisations which require the collection of statistics and information on how a place is used, whether it is a room and an outdoor area. Our concept for this monitoring is a low-powered tiny device that uses sensors to track if a person has entered or exited a location. One major area of concern for us is the monitoring of persons within national parks and walking routes. There are already gadgets mounted at various sites across the park that count the number of individuals on a walking trail. One of the benefits of our product design is that the sensor is employed for unattended operation and data recovery, which means that regular in-person data reading is not necessary.
The purpose of this project is to improve on existing trail counters by incorporating the ability to wirelessly send data via the Lora Wan network. Wireless data transmission is a significant invention since it will save organisations hundreds of dollars per year in labour costs associated with manual data collection. Careful analysis of market facts, analysis of important rivals, analysis of product advantages and disadvantages, and good marketing tactics are examples of situations that must be examined. The team's marketing strategy is to focus on sensor high quality, unique design, and outstanding after-sales support. Furthermore, the primary sales focus is on national parks (toilets, entrance structures), retail malls, and certain outlying locations.
Group Members
- Nathan Hawkins
- Jon Gegg
- Sultan Alkaabi
- Sineth Akmeemana
- Weichen Shi
Industry Sponsored
N/A
nph872@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
The Plant Doctor- Drone Mounted plant analyser
Project Summary
The Plant Doctor is a Drone mounted plant analyser that uses spectral, thermal and visual cameras to analyse plants for an inputted disease to aid farmers in discovering effected crop areas. An autonomous flight planner is used to enable the Plant Doctor to survey and capture images of all areas of paddocks. Through the use of this product a farmer will be able to stop the spread of diseases in a more efficient procedure saving in cost and loss of product. The plant doctor is also equipped with a WIFI module, to upload its data to a website for analysis and ease of reading.
The key advantages of this system are:
- Ease of use: Through the use of the autonomous flight planner and file transfer through the WIFI module, the Plant Doctor can be easily used on any environment and situation.
- Save of cost: Though the product won’t be initially cheap, it will quickly be profitable as it will replace the need for regular checks of crops, saving on labour costs and in loss of crops through early detection.
The Potential market for the Plant Doctor includes both novice and experienced farmers. Allowing for farms of many sizes to save on costs and run more efficiently. There are also very few current competitor companies for this technology. Therefore, the potential for expansion is astronomical, with many broader markets being available following prototype success!
Group Members
- Sam Knight
- Neason
- Yitong Yu
- Sam Single
Industry Sponsored
N/A
Project Name
Kookaberry Musical Education Keyboard
Project Summary
The Kookaberry Musical Keyboard Peripheral is a micro-controlled single octave capacitive touch keyboard designed to support Australian primary schools with an affordable music teaching tool. Providing affordable music education for regional schools remained the primary focus when designing our product, resulting in a durable and cost-effective device suited to be implemented and work within the grade 5-6 curriculum. The single octave device provides instantaneous audio feedback and software driven educational lessons to create a beginner friendly learning environment.
The Kookaberry Musical Keyboard features touch sensitive keys, 13 programmable LED Neopixels, audio recording and playback management, volume control, adjustable octaves, and polyphonic notes to offer a unique take on costly and bulky modern musical keyboards. The Keyboard enables a variety of chords, scales, and songs to be produced through a sequence of lights to follow with the Neopixels.
The Kookaberry Musical Keyboard will be distributed through AustSTEM who provide charitable educational services to schools. This unique device, aligning with the Australian Primary Curriculum, allows students to build confidence to be creative, innovative, and skillful.
Group Members
- Dylan Woodham
- Taine Frederickson
- Samuel Bulloch
Industry Sponsored
The AustSTEM Foundation Limited “The Kookaberry™ Musical Education Keyboard”
djw714@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
PocketPod
Project Summary
PocketPod is a pocket podiatrist tool that assists professionals and health-focused individuals to track, visualise and analyse plantar pressure distribution. It features a thin, pressure-sensitive insole and iOS/Android compatible app.
There are many stressors that can cause the pressures feet are subject to. Stressors such as: choice of exercise, shoewear, foot-shape, existing ailments, or occupation, all have a significant impact on comfort, mobility and health. In fact, in a 2008 study published by the Australian Podiatry Association*, 1 in 5 Australians aged 18 or over regularly experience foot pain. This was further found to have a significant detrimental impact on quality of life.
All of these stressors, in any combination, have a unique impact and require a personalised solution. Pressure scanning, external to the foot or shoe, is already utilised by podiatrists in recommending corrective treatment. However, this method and its treatments lack numerical, data-driven feedback.
PocketPod can provide this for users and professionals with ease. It can flag high pressure locations, and store pressure distribution in a clear, visual format; all in real-time. There is a limited market for an in-sole, app-compatible, pressure-scanning product; and no other product offers the same usage flexibility of the PocketPod’s thin design. Smart-shoes or smart-orthotics options offered by competitors are restrictive; and for the many that require customisation, these competitors do not offer a viable option because they lack adaptability. PocketPod can cater to many shoes, many orthotics and every person; for a truly personal experience in podiatric rehabilitation, treatment and care.
* “Prevalence and correlates of foot pain in a population-based study”, J Foot Ankle Res, 2008 Jul 28.
Group Members
- Suzanne Jores
- Binghao Qi
- Tingxu Li
- Phoebe Seeto
Industry Sponsored
N/A
ps924@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
MEDINAV
Project Summary
Compounding of Medications by Pharmacists faces issues with the degradation of ingredients in storage, risks of microorganism contamination, and human error when locating the ingredients.
MEDINAV is an intuitive system that assists Pharmacists to locate and authenticate the correct ingredients for the creation of Compound Medications.
Specifically, it helps locate the ingredients and checks whether the right ingredient is being used. It also monitors the environmental conditions to detect temperature and humidity levels outside the safe storage parameters of the ingredients. Ingredients are automatically authenticated, catching any human error before it has a chance to cause significant harm to the consumer.
The system is cost effective, utilising commercially available parts in its construction. The intuitive User Interface and comprehensive help documentation make it easy to install and use.
Pharma Mapping’s MEDINAV system can be expanded to the storage of other products that require authentication in a controlled environment, such as electronics manufacturing and ammunition loading.
Group Members
- Meshal Alsharif
- Nathan Bartolo
- Steven Butler
- Soumya Dasgupta
- Tom Doyle
- Ming Lu
Industry Sponsored
N/A
mmfa742@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
DartAttack
Project Summary
DartAttack is a retrofittable device that provides users with an enhanced steel tip darts experience with support for online play. The device facilitates automatic scoring of games of Darts, with the score being displayed on a web-based app, viewable on the included display or any other device connected to the same network or over the internet.
The key advantages of the device are:
- Retrofittable: The device and its mount can be attached to any existing dartboard, making it more accessible to users.
- Low cost: Similar devices require expensive mounts or large enclosures in order to function correctly, whereas our device is designed to be accessible
- Anti-cheating measures: Simple anti-cheating methods are implemented to ensure games are played fairly between users
DartAttack is intended to be accessible to users of all skill levels. Similar products that allow for Automatic Dart scoring, are large and bulky, and are more expensive, with no product currently facilitating anti-cheating measures. Our product will allow for use on existing dart boards via a simple mount to make it accessible to more people and allowing it to be more cost-effective and deliver the same results.
Group Members
- Ben Lewis
- Tom Foley
- Joseph Waskiw
- Liam Elton
- Cody Kelly
Industry Sponsored
N/A
bjl953@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
CollabPad
Project Summary
The CollabPad by Collaborative Vision aids visually impaired students in maths education by enabling collaboration with a sighted student in working on maths equations together. Without the CollabPad, maths students with visual disabilities are limited to merely verbal communication and collaboration on maths problems. Additionally, there is no common workspace for a sighted and blind student to work together on.
The CollabPad alleviates these problems by providing a collaborative physical working area with small movable tiles, imprinted with both visual and Braille characters. These tiles can be arranged on the CollabPad to construct maths equations that both users can read. Furthermore, the CollabPad features a camera and image-recognition software, enabling the digitisation of the working area. This means both users can electronically save their constructed
equations in both visual (.pdf) and digital Braille (.brf) file formats.
This is the first device of its kind that enables both a blind and sighted user to collaborate effectively at the same time. Existing products, such as Braille calculators, do not facilitate such collaboration. Existing products do not have a dual-mode ‘saving’ function either. This first iteration of the CollabPad leaves plenty of room for future development, particularly involving larger boards with more tiles to enable more sophisticated equations to be constructed. This would increase the usability of the CollabPad across a wider range of levels of maths study.
Group Members
- James Squire
- Brendan Morton
- Ammar Saeed
- Nick Begg
- Louis Nguyen
Industry Sponsored
N/A
nb001@uowmail.edu.au
Project Name
Wheelchair WayFinder
Project Summary
The Wheelchair WayFinder is a mobile application designed to provide accurate, reliable wayfinding to wheelchair users. Currently, the market is lean in terms of wayfinding applications that consider wheelchair accessibility in their route planning. EnGenius aims to fill this gap in the market by providing a wayfinding application that is solely dedicated to providing wheelchair accessible routes. Initially, the route data will be collected by the development team who will aim to map sections of UOW Main Campus as a proof of concept for this product. Future development of this product would lead to users being able to map their own routes using personal mobile devices.
The initial version of the app will be Android based and has been developed in Android Studio. Features are wheelchair accessible point-to-point wayfinding as well as “ChairView”, a view mode designed to provide a series of images to the user which guides the user visually along the route. The route data and images are collected by a dedicated, wheelchair-mountable hardware unit containing: a GPS, a camera and an onboard SD card for local data storage. Then the route data are transferred to a cloud-based database where it is be accessed by the app to produce the user’s requested route.
This product has the potential to significantly improve a wheelchair user’s experience when exploring unfamiliar areas. The ability to pre-plan and view their route and rely on it being wheelchair friendly is invaluable in ensuring they can travel safely and efficiently to their destination.
Group Members
- Lord Thabet
- Muhammad Usama
- Jacob Wright
- Rohan Smith
Industry Sponsored
N/A
lt116@uowmail.edu.au