From monitoring containers in global logistics networks or measuring fine dust over large areas in congested urban centers – energy-autarkic sensor networks make countless applications more efficient and save resources. Approximately 50 participants from industry and research took part in Fraunhofer Gesellschaft’s »Energy-autarkic Sensor Networks« workshop in Munich on November 16th 2010, where the entire range of these tiny, multifunctional all-rounders was presented. In his introductory presentation, IZM Director Professor Klaus-Dieter Lang outlined the current state of research and presented first application examples.

The subsequent dual parallel sessions dug deeper into the topic – how can we improve communication protocols even more? What requirements do sensors actually have to meet, for example, in structural monitoring? How can we optimize network architecture and integrate it into existing infrastructure? These and many more questions were discussed by the participants and lecturing experts.

In a session on sensor node packaging, IZM researchers also presented current projects to use sensor networks for machine and power network monitoring. A get-together at the end of the day gave participants and speakers a chance to discuss the day’s topics in a more informal setting.