Unique
differentiator for Ireland
Ireland is a small, dynamic, country, with a strong
economy and long-term commitment to large scale
investment into university/industry R&D; realization
of the critical importance of R&D for sustainable
wealth by ALL stakeholders; willingness of all players
(people, organizations..) to work together for the
common good is rare (multinationals, SMEs, Universities,
Government...); this is rare and is a key strength that
we MUST build (hence critical importance of the network
programme - it must deliver resources and get things
happening NOW.
The bringing together of chemistry, biology,
engineering, computing, communications, networking,
prototyping & manufacturing, and deployment/testing
strategies into a coherent initiative will make us
unique. This can be achieved quickly because of the
dynamic manner in which the agencies are reshaping their
research priorities, and because of the Government's
commitment to innovation and research.
We should aim to have first widespread commercial
deployments. Consider integrating possible Irish
customers/end-users into the network and using them to
help define and trial applications.
Ireland has some differentiating advantages in the
following areas:
* Existing sensor expertise
in Irish industry
Ireland has a small core of companies already producing
wired and wireless sensor products. They have developed
their own niche areas and should be assisted in
developing wireless sensor network products. Active
areas include automotive sensors; automated metering;
temperature instrumentation; gas monitors; industrial
process control; building management.
* Areas of expertise in
Irish research institutes
Research institutes such as the NCSR and NMRC have
expertise in developing sensors. Some of these sensors
may be suitable for developing into WSN products.
* Agriculture
Our natural resources favour agriculture and it has
become a well developed industry in the country.
Products that reduce production costs, improve crop
yields, track animals, detect onset of birthing, monitor
animal health etc. would be very marketable. Ireland
could become world leader in innovative agricultural
wireless sensor products.
* Food processing
Food processing is an important industry in
Ireland. Food quality monitoring and traceability has
grown in importance with consumers. Ireland could focus
on becoming world leader in innovative food quality
sensor products. For example, miniature sensors could be
developed to monitor the temperature and humidity of
perishable goods such as meat and dairy produce during
transport and storage.
* Medical Devices
Ireland has a thriving Medical Device industry
with R&D laboratories in several multinationals. It
is predicted that there will many new developments in
wireless worn monitors, automated wireless drug delivery
systems, remote diagnosis. Ireland could focus on
becoming a leader in some of these wireless medical
applications.
* Servicing Multinational
Corporations (MNCs )
Ireland is host to several world leading
semiconductor, pharmaceutical and industrial control
MNCs. Irish industry could develop WSN products that
improve manufacturing processes and test methods for
these companies.
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