University of New Mexico researchers are using low-cost, Arduino-based efficient wireless intelligent sensor, called LEWIS1, capable of gathering experimental and field data measurements.
“Sensors have recently become valuable tools in engineering, providing real-time data for monitoring structures and the environment. They are also emerging as new tools in education and training, offering learners real-time information to reinforce their understanding of engineering concepts.
However, sensing technology’s complexity, costs, fabrication and implementation challenges often hinder engineers’ exploration. Simplifying these aspects could make sensors more accessible to engineering students.
In this study, the researcher developed, fabricated, and tested an efficient low-cost wireless intelligent sensor aimed at education and research, named LEWIS1. This paper describes the hardware and software architecture of the first prototype and their use, as well as the proposed new versions, LEWIS1-β and LEWIS1-γ, which simplify both hardware and software.
The capabilities of the proposed sensor are compared with those of an accurate commercial PCB sensor. This paper also demonstrates examples of outreach efforts and suggests the adoption of the newer versions of LEWIS1 as tools for education and research.”
The study used the Adafruit Triple-Axis Accelerometer – ±2/4/8g @ 14-bit – MMA8451 and the Adafruit LSM6DSOX 6 DoF Accelerometer & Gyroscope.
