Nano-Tera: X-Sense (2011)

Lothar Thiele of ETHZ / Computer Engineering & Networks Lab
Alain Geiger of ETHZ/D-BAUG/IGP

It is well known that the global climate change dramatically influenced the visual appearance of mountain areas like the European Alps. Some very destructive geological processes will be triggered or intensified which influence the stability of slopes and may induce landslides. Unfortunately, the interaction between these complex processes is poorly understood.

The project X-Sense intends to perform research in this application context and has the following aims:
• Develop wireless sensing technology as a new scientific instrument for environmental sensing under extreme conditions in terms of temperature variations, humidity, mechanical forces, snow coverage as well as unattended operation that are needed for long-term deployment.
• Integrate various sensing dimensions (such as pressure, humidity, crevice movements, highprecision deformation and movements) in terms of sensing and processing hardware, software and sensor fusion algorithms.
• Extend the spatial scope from local (microscopic) measurements to large scale information based on satellite radar remote sensing and fuse the resulting information to achieve an unparalleled degree of precision in space, time and accuracy.
• Utilize this new measurement technology to advance applications in science and society: geophysical research and early warning against landslides and rock-fall, thereby securing people in their homes, during recreational activities, in public transportation and cars.

May 2011, full presentation length: 24 minutes 30 seconds

• Category

  Science & Technology