DIEM Thesis: Wireless Sensor Network Platform for Assistive Automation Applications

Interoperability Work Package and Department of Automation and Systems Technology of Helsinki University of Technology present a new DIEM related Master of Science thesis "Wireless Sensor Network Platform for Assistive Automation Applications" by Antti Karjalainen.

Assistive automation applications for aging people can benefit from the use of wireless sensor network technologies. Applications can become cheaper, easier to install, and more ambient with use of wireless sensor networks. New types of applications can be conceived that are not feasible without the use of wireless sensor networks.

The thesis presents the development process of a inexpensive and low-power wireless sensor network platform using 8-bit microcontrollers starting from initial requirement specifications. Hardware and software designs are presented along with application development discussion. A practical assistive automation application, door monitor, that is implemented by using the developed wireless sensor network platform is also presented.

Results indicate that wireless sensor network technologies, as well as microcontroller and sensor technologies that are available today, are mature enough for the use of real-life assistive automation applications. The wireless sensor network platform, that was developed as a part of the work, operates reliably and provides necessary features for assistive automation application prototyping, while at the same time is able to operate multiple years without having to have batteries replaces. However, when designing complicated applications that need to be highly customizable according to the end-user's needs, use of additional home server infrastructure is recommended in addition to the wireless sensor network.