The Fraunhofer IOSB-INA, in collaboration with Rhein Köster, a company specializing in device manufacturing for technical education, has developed the SmartCup, an intelligent cup that combines various IoT technologies. This innovative cup stands out as an intelligent and energy-autonomous Ultra-Low-Power sensor system. With its integrated IoT technologies, the SmartCup is able to monitor content using an energy-efficient fill level sensor and temperature sensor. It also features a flexible solar module that charges its lithium-based energy storage, ensuring long-term operation without the need for battery replacement.
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SmartCup: Revolutionizing IoT Systems with Energy-Autonomous Technology
The field of Internet of Things (IoT) poses a challenge in terms of maintaining systems for extended periods without the need for maintenance tasks like battery replacement. While conventional sensor systems are capable of measuring and transmitting simple sensor values wirelessly, they are severely limited when it comes to energy-intensive additional functions such as display indicators. The SmartCup serves as a technology demonstrator, showcasing the potential for designing energy-autonomous and ultra-low-power sensor systems in the future.
SmartCup: Energy-autonomous IoT Technology for Intelligent Beverage Monitoring
The SmartCup utilizes a flexible solar panel to charge its internal lithium-based energy storage. This storage powers a processor that reads sensor data and enables the functionality of the intelligent cup, including smartphone connectivity. The cup monitors its contents using a self-developed energy-efficient level sensor and a temperature sensor. These data are visualized on an E-Ink display, which consumes minimal energy and only requires power when the content changes.
SmartCup: Energy-Efficient Deep-Sleep Mode and Customizable Display
The SmartCup utilizes an intelligent Deep-Sleep-Mode to ensure long-lasting operation through its integrated solar panel, conserving energy when not in use. With the help of an accelerometer, the cup can be easily reactivated by simply moving it. Moreover, embracing the concept of Industry 4.0, the SmartCup allows users to personalize the display by programming their own text, such as their name, using a smartphone.
SmartCup: A Blueprint for Energy-Autonomous Sensors in Education
The SmartCup serves as an example of highly energy-efficient, energy-autonomous, and IoT-enabled sensor systems in the field of education. It demonstrates how these systems can be designed to operate without the need for frequent battery replacements. Additionally, the technology developed by Fraunhofer IOSB-INA for the SmartCup can serve as a blueprint for similar energy-autonomous IoT systems, such as intelligent climate sensors for measuring water levels or rainfall. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries and applications.
The SmartCup is a revolutionary intelligent cup that combines cutting-edge IoT technologies, allowing for long-term operation without the need for battery replacement. Its energy-autonomous design and versatile features make it a significant advancement towards energy-efficient sensor systems. The SmartCup serves as a remarkable demonstration of how Ultra-Low-Power-Sensor systems can be designed in the future, while also offering exciting applications in education and other IoT domains.
