Tufts researchers develop battery-free smart sensor for plant monitoring
A Tufts University team has created a battery-free system that monitors plant growth by harnessing moisture from the plant itself for power.
Key Takeaways
AIA research team at Tufts University in the United States has developed a smart sensor system that enables real-time monitoring of plant growth and early detection of stress indicators, all without the need for batteries. The system is powered by energy naturally generated from the plant's own moisture.
According to a study published in the journal ACS Applied Materials, the sensor attaches directly to the plant, collecting data and wirelessly transmitting it to smartphones or computers by utilizing energy derived from plant moisture.
Experiments conducted on pepper plants under various environmental conditions demonstrated the system’s efficiency in accurately detecting changes related to water stress and increased salinity. The technology also allowed researchers to track water movement within the plant in greater detail.
How the system works and its components
The system relies on energy produced during transpiration, the process by which the plant loses water vapor through its leaves. A miniature electronic circuit collects this energy to power the device, process data, and transmit information wirelessly to smart applications.
The innovation consists of two main components: an ultra-thin smart sticker attached to the plant’s leaves to measure temperature and humidity, and a flexible strip inspired by Japanese kirigami art that wraps around the stem to monitor growth and changes in diameter.
The researchers believe this new system paves the way for the development of smart agricultural technologies that can improve crop monitoring, optimize water usage, and reduce reliance on conventional batteries.