Australia to push sensor network for monitoring critical infrastructure

National ICT Australia (Nicta) yesterday launched the Sensor Network Forum to promote industry and research collaboration in the fast-growing area of wireless sensor networks. Analysts predict the market for sensor networks to reach $60 billion by 2010. Intelligent sensor networks are relatively inexpensive electronic devices which have the potential to create systems that can monitor what is happening in the environment, communicate with each other, and take action if necessary. The systems are suitable for sustainable agriculture, water management, and environmental monitoring. They can also be employed in industrial applications, for example to monitor machinery and infrastructure such as bridges, dams, and roads. The Nictor platform enables the monitoring and control of critical infrastructure, requires minimal configuration, and is highly scalable.

Nicta has been researching wireless sensor networks since its establishment in 2003 and earlier this year launched Nictor, a wireless sensor network technology platform which will be used to monitor and control critical infrastructure in Australia’s horticulture and agriculture industries.

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