We are currently witnessing a real craze around connected objects. When it comes to connected objects, the field of possibilities is vast. It can range from bedside lamps, alarms, heating and street lighting. These objects produce a lot of data that can be exploited. This is also the case in the field of waste. Indeed, sensors produce data to improve their management, very useful to reduce costs and environmental impact.
What is an IoT sensor ?
The IoT relies primarily on connected objects. A connected object has the ability to capture data and send it via the Internet or other technologies so that it can be visualized and analyzed on dedicated dashboards. Their purpose is simple: to measure and detect changes in the environment of an object such as temperature, speed, humidity, noise or vibrations.
On their own, sensors can do nothing: but by reporting the collected data to an electronic system, sensors become a real asset.
The data generated is then analyzed and allows real strategic decisions to be made. The sensors produce data that is transported to the Internet. This transport can be done using different types of communication networks. These networks will be used depending on the use case, we can find LoRaWan or Sigfox for example. After having created and transmitted the data, it is then necessary to analyze it, store it and return it to the customers, hence the creation of a decision support platform.
Better waste management thanks to a simple sensor
The data allows us to qualify human behaviors: their habits, their consumption… They can be very influential in the field of waste management. Indeed, sensors can improve the daily life of citizens and enhance the work of urban planners.
New information technologies enable better urban management by obtaining and analyzing key information (monitoring road traffic, measuring pollution levels, etc.) and thus facilitate decision-making.
In the field of waste management, sensors measure the filling level of a container (city garbage can, containers, compost garbage cans, etc.) and thus help to optimize collection and reduce costs. Often, rounds are not optimized, collectors move to points that are not filled or, on the contrary, containers that overflow.
All this is possible thanks to the data produced by the collector. However, without analysis, this data is of no value. It is the data scientist who is in charge of transforming this data into quality information. Next article on this little-known profession.
