We have been busy developing our range of IoT (Internet of Things) solutions recently; with a focus on air quality, water pollution, crowd counting, transport and agriculture. To showcase the technology, we developed our IoT Test Vehicles. MTG recently formed a partnership with Libelium, an industry leader in the IoT marketspace (more to follow, watch this space).
Technology Showcase
To showcase our technology and to demonstrate its capabilities, we have converted two vans to be our ‘IoT Test Vehicles’. We have fitted each test vehicle with a range of sensors and communications equipment; including custom fabricated mounts and power systems. You may have seen them driving around the Island.
Each van can measure the following, in real-time, sending its measurements and coordinates back to our Isle of Man datacentre.
Gases / Environmental Factors
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With data analysis and similar tools, we can visualise the air quality to which we are all accustomed. Given the recent press and the urgency relating to our climate, our ability to measure AQI (Air Quality Index) is perhaps the interesting measurement.
We are all accustomed to the Isle of Man’s beautiful countryside and coastline – the environment is perhaps our most valuable asset.
In the past few weeks, we have logged several million data points relating to air quality, gases and other attributes that can contribute towards air pollution – from dozens of locations around the Island. Air pollution is a hot topic in the UK given its effects on Asthma, coronary and pulmonary conditions, and with more people choosing to cycle or walk to work. You see UK AQI measurements on the AQICN website.
We started the exercise in May, before continuing the measurements throughout TT fortnight (our team had some strange looks from TT visitors!).
What next?
We are still developing the technology, undertaking analysis and tweaking the solution. Once this review phase has been completed, we are considering ways in which the data can be harnessed, shared and used for a number of initiatives.
The IoT opportunity
A recent trip to the Business Show in London reinforced both the interest and the opportunity in this space. We had a wide-ranging set of discussions and interest, including:
- Cassava farming in West Africa.
- Monitoring drinking water quality in Africa.
- Measuring spectators and crowds at a significant UK Marathon event.
- Water and pollution levels of rivers, reservoirs and watercourses in the UK and Ireland.
- Footfall and visitor trends at a significant UK retail development.
- Monitoring the condition and health of Bee Hives.
- Soil conditions for a UK agricultural business (specialising in herbs… Parsley, Thyme, etc.)
Our strategy is simple. To develop, harness and showcase the technology on the Isle of Man – before sharing our expertise and experiences elsewhere in the world.
