At Ignitec, environmental monitoring is one of the foundational cornerstones of our work, the technologies we develop, and the solutions we provide. The numerous cost-saving, productivity-enhancing, and sustainability-building benefits of IoT for environmental monitoring might be new territory for some. However, we’ve been navigating this terrain for over a decade and have the expertise to get our clients to their final destination on time, within budget, and in style! Call us for a quote.

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Environmental Sensors: A key innovation area in IoT

If you’re new to our blog and unfamiliar with the Internet of Things (IoT), please read our previous blogs for more insights into how this technology has revolutionised almost every industry – from agriculture and ocean deplastification to healthcare and household waste.

Environmental monitoring involves using sensor-based devices to measure various environmental factors (e.g. soil, atmosphere, and water). These sensors monitor and analyse the environment for purposes such as air quality management, agricultural and meteorological research, and environmental conservation. IoT for environmental monitoring:

• Facilitates the development of wireless, remote monitoring systems.
• Enables operations to remove much of the human interaction in system function, which reduces human labour.
• Increases the range and frequency of sampling and monitoring.
• Facilitates sophisticated on-site testing, provides lower latency, and connects detection systems to response teams
• Results in higher rates of disaster and contamination prevention.

Four essential components of any IoT-based environmental monitoring system (EMS):

1. Monitor the environment to gather and deliver critical information accurately and reliably.
2. Measure and evaluate critical data points that indicate everything from water, chemical, and toxic leaks to equipment failures.
3. Catalogue and store data for easy accessibility.
4. Provide actionable insights from data analysis such as alerts, notifications, and recommendations for action to conserve resources and prevent disasters.

How do different industries leverage IoT to monitor the environment?

The biggest appeals of IoT are its accessibility, versatility, and practicability. Environmental monitoring is one of the most significant concerns of our time. Thus, both public and private sectors are turning to technologies such as IoT to provide solutions – and they haven’t been disappointed! Some examples include:

1. Agriculture: IoT-enabled soil sensors provide farmers with precise data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and temperature. This data-driven approach allows for optimised irrigation and fertilisation, reducing water and resource usage while maximising crop yield. Read our post on IoT in smart agriculture and the agritech technologies on the ‘brink of explosive growth’.
2. Energy: IoT devices on wind turbines collect data on wind speed, direction, and turbine performance. Real-time monitoring enhances predictive maintenance, improves energy efficiency, and ensures reliable energy production in the renewable energy sector.
3. Transportation: Connected vehicles equipped with environmental sensors measure air quality levels during transit. This data helps municipalities identify pollution hotspots, implement targeted interventions, and improve urban air quality.
4. Healthcare: IoT devices in healthcare facilities monitor and control environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. This ensures optimal conditions for patient comfort and the preservation of medical supplies, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable healthcare environment.
5. Water Management: Smart water meters with IoT sensors detect leaks and monitor water quality in distribution networks. Water utilities can proactively address issues, reduce wastage, and ensure clean water delivery to consumers.
6. Construction: IoT sensors monitor noise, dust levels, and vibration. This real-time data allows construction companies to implement measures to minimise environmental impact and adhere to regulatory standards.
7. Retail: IoT-based energy management systems can monitor and control store lighting, heating, and cooling. This optimises energy consumption, reduces operational costs, and contributes to sustainable business practices.
8. Waste Management: IoT sensors in waste bins and collection vehicles provide real-time information on fill levels. This data enables efficient route planning for waste collection, minimising fuel consumption and reducing the environmental impact of transportation.

Are you interested in leveraging IoT technologies to innovate and upgrade your product range? Call us for a quote for agile, efficient, and secure end-to-end solutions that will help you retain a competitive edge for years to come!

How do businesses benefit from using an environmental monitoring system (EMS)?

Soaring energy prices alone are reason enough to implement an environmental monitoring system – even if only to ensure we use appliances intelligently to reduce costs. However, the benefits of IoT for environmental monitoring go beyond that.

Remote controllability is the ability to remotely access, monitor, and control parameters such as temperature, humidity, and airflow by connecting from any device with an internet connection. For facilities that aren’t continuously accessible and where environmental conditions are essential (e.g. data centres, warehouses, health and food stores), remote capabilities prevent the loss of unrecoverable data or merchandise damage.

Push/Instant notification features are configured for different parameters (i.e., quick actions in case of fire, water leakage, or unauthorised access versus SMS alerts for slight fluctuations in temperature).

Savings. Be it a reduction in energy consumption or the workforce needed to monitor, control, and report every environmental parameter, an EMS is fast becoming a must-have for every business tool kit. Add the ability to take quick action against problems that may lead to significant financial losses (e.g. warehouse fire) or a data security breach (e.g. banks); businesses without an EMS may face greater losses in the long run.

Security is a crucial part of every business. An EMS also provides control of situations such as unauthorised access, theft, power failures, fire, etc, due to equipment such as motion sensors, water leakage sensors, and smoke sensors.

Who are the leading companies in IoT for Environmental Monitoring?

Several companies are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge IoT solutions for environmental monitoring. These companies are not only contributing to the development of sophisticated sensors but also integrating data analytics and artificial intelligence to derive meaningful insights. Top IoT companies worldwide include:

Microsoft’s Azure IoT: Arguably, it is one of the largest ecosystems in the industry, with a network that benefits from thousands of partners. It deploys hundreds of proven, repeatable solutions for remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, manufacturing efficiency, facilities management, and connected products, allowing data to be exchanged between the product and its user, manufacturer, or environment.

AWS (Amazon Web Services): Collects, stores, and analyses IoT data for industrial, consumer, commercial, and automotive workloads.

Siemens smart building IoT solutions improve operational efficiency, increase staff productivity by enhancing well-being and optimise space and asset utilisation.

Cisco: Best known for providing robust, simple, and secure end-to-end solutions to help businesses such as Audi to transform their operations and enhance efficiency and sustainability with new sensors and smart devices.

Top 10 emerging innovators of IoT environmental technologies

According to a GlobalData Report (published November 2022) on environmental sensors innovation and trends analysis, over 3.6 million patents were filed and granted in the technology industry three years prior. The report identified environmental sensors as a disruptive technology in its early stages of application that merited close tracking and highlighted ten companies – based on the number of patents they had filed – that were worth watching.

1. Nike: footwear with sensor systems.
2. SoftBank Group: temperature control products for better sleep.
3. MyOmega Systems GmbH: blockchain and sensor devices to track containers.
4. Xiaomi: smart face masks with sensors to protect against pollution and viruses.
5. Samsung Group: integrated multi-sensor module.
6. Honeywell International: air purification subsystems.
7. State Grid: power transmission equipment.
8. China General Nuclear Power: a warm water discharge monitoring buoy for nuclear power plants.
9. Continental: vehicle-mounted optical and sensor cleaning system
10. Hitachi: EMS with a plurality of sensors

Nike topped the list for being one of the leading patent filers in environmental sensors, with Continental and Hitachi having the biggest geographic reach. MyOmega Systems ranked the highest regarding application diversity, followed by Samsung and Nike.

What’s the market size for IoT-based environment sensors?

The global environmental monitoring market was estimated to be worth $14.5 billion in 2021 and is forecasted to reach 17.9 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. Market growth is being driven by:

• Companies rearranging their operations and ESG (environmental social governance) priorities.
• Increasing public awareness of health and sustainability implications of environmental pollution (i.e. soil, water, and air) and resource scarcity/depletion.
• Increasing need for efficient natural resource management
• Increasing government emphasis on compliance with pollution monitoring standards.
• Increased investment in environmental monitoring systems, solutions, and technologies
• An understanding that efficient use of natural resources minimises wastage and supports economic growth for countries that rely on it for revenue generation
• A need to mitigate risks and become more resilient.

The growth trend in the IoT for environmental monitoring market is expected to continue on an upward trajectory. As advancements in sensor technologies, connectivity, and data analytics continue to unfold, the market is poised for substantial expansion. The integration of IoT in environmental monitoring is becoming more sophisticated, allowing for real-time data collection, analysis, and proactive decision-making.

At Ignitec, our 10+ years of software and electronic hardware design and expertise in sensor integration to enhance system efficiency are world-class. Schedule a free consultation with an expert on our team to discuss the solutions to help your business cement its market positioning and contribute to industry growth.

Environmental sensors’ market restraints, challenges, and opportunities

While IoT presents unprecedented opportunities for environmental monitoring, it is not without its restraints and challenges.

The ability to continuously monitor and measure variables over long periods is an essential function of any EMS, as long-term surveillance is critical. However, the performance efficacy of sensors in 24/7 monitoring mode can diminish over time, thus reducing their lifespan. In addition, security concerns, data privacy issues, and the high initial implementation costs are notable challenges.

However, these challenges and restraints open doors for opportunities, such as developing more secure and cost-effective IoT solutions and creating a dynamic market that fosters innovation and global accessibility.

Current Trends in IoT for Environmental Monitoring

Several trends are shaping the landscape of IoT for environmental monitoring. One prominent trend is the integration of machine learning algorithms to enhance the accuracy of environmental predictions. Additionally, drones equipped with IoT sensors are gaining traction, enabling efficient monitoring of remote or hard-to-reach areas. Cloud computing is also playing a pivotal role, facilitating the storage and analysis of vast amounts of environmental data.

IoT’s Role in Monitoring Environmental Changes

The real-time monitoring capabilities of IoT are instrumental in tracking environmental changes across various ecosystems. Sensors can measure air and water quality, soil conditions, and wildlife behaviour, providing a comprehensive understanding of environmental dynamics. This data enables scientists, policymakers, and conservationists to make informed decisions, respond to emerging threats, and implement targeted conservation strategies.

Final thoughts on IoT technologies for monitoring the environment

Integrating IoT for environmental monitoring represents a paradigm shift in approaching eco-protection and ensuring a sustainable future. As leading companies, startups, and entrepreneurs continue to innovate and the market expands, the synergy between technology and conservation efforts will only strengthen. Challenges will be overcome, opportunities will be seized, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and resilient planet. The transformative power of IoT for environmental monitoring is not just about reducing costs but, more importantly, enhancing our ability to safeguard the environment for generations to come.

If you’re keen to become a part of this paradigm shift – to improve the operational efficiency of your business or expand your product offerings into new markets – contact us. We’ll tailor-make a solution to suit your needs, overcome restraints, and give you a competitive edge for years to come!