Technology
Cell phones, Wi-Fi and now WiMax are the current leading edge of the wireless revolution. However, new advanced micro technology is emerging that allows computers to connect and control just about anything wirelessly. Using this technology, Wirefree develops information systems for manufacturers. These systems can monitor events from energy usage to rapidly changing environmental conditions as well as counting products for discrete production. Advanced wireless systems are providing operation with real-time access to information and events that were previously too hostile or expensive to monitor.
One of the less familiar but rapidly growing technologies is low-power, wireless sensing. These wireless sensor devices use so little power that, in some cases, they can operate on AA batteries for several years. In addition, they are low-power because their radio signal only broadcasts a few hundred feet.
The ability to connect multiple types of sensing devices gives them a great deal of flexibility to monitor just about anything real-time. For example, wireless sensors can be placed in office buildings, factories and plants to detect heat, humidity, light and movement without the expense of running wires in hostile environments. Low-power wireless sensors are not only cost efficient but also make it possible to monitor events that were previously unmonitorable.
The technology is so revolutionary because every sensing device can communicate with each other and the outside world through the use of Radio Frequency (RF) technology. For example, a wireless network of temperature sensors can be freely positioned to detect changing temperature in a factory, building, or agricultural site. Wireless accelerometers can provide early warning of machinery that may be starting to fail. Infrared sensors can now be added to production systems providing quality control information that was not previously possible. All of this can be done with low-power wireless sensors.