Researchers from the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a Smart Urban Sensor as part of the Urban Well Being project, funded by the MIT MISTI Fund. This device, designed to enhance real-time air quality monitoring, incorporates solar panels to improve its autonomy and sustainability.
The Smart Urban Sensor, operated with Artificial Intelligence, can detect air pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) and suspended particles (PM2.5 and PM10). In addition, it generates real-time GPS coordinates for more accurate analysis of pollution in urban areas with high mobility. This technological advancement will allow environmental authorities to make informed decisions to reduce pollution and improve the quality of life for the population.
The team of scientists led by Roberto Zagal Flores from the IPN and MIT researchers Simone Moray and Fabio Duarte designed the sensor with a modular approach. This allows for the integration of new functions, such as thermal cameras to record temperature variations and additional sensors to measure sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Initial tests of the Smart Urban Sensor have been conducted on public transportation units operating between Metro La Raza and Unidad Zacatenco. The goal is to obtain detailed data on pollution levels in areas with high foot and vehicle traffic. This scalable sensor is intended to be part of smart and healthy cities, using advanced technology for the environment.
The advanced technology of the IPN Urban Sensor integrates state-of-the-art software and hardware, utilizing the open-source technology platform Flatburn provided by MIT. This advancement represents a significant step towards the establishment of smart and sustainable cities, providing technological tools that will help improve the quality of life for the population and tackle global challenges such as climate change and air pollution.
