IoT Laboratory
When the washing machine talks to the smartphone ...
In the 15th century, washerwomen knew exactly when the laundry was finished because they washed it by hand themselves. Today, things are different: via apps operated on a smartphone, users not only receive a notification when the laundry is finished, but can also “tell” the washing machine in the cellar at home when the laundry should be ready while they are away.
As a result, more and more objects are being connected directly or indirectly via the “detour” of a smartphone.
With the “Internet of Things” laboratory (IoT Lab), Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences offers a place where students, companies and interested school pupils can take their first steps into a smart future together with experts.
The experiments and demonstrations presented promote awareness and understanding of smart objects across all age groups. The transfer of know-how for targeted application creates the optimal basis for fully digital design and manufacturing.
The school projects carried out under supervision are intended to demonstrate the professional fields of tomorrow to participating pupils and encourage them to question tasks and individual activities critically.
Our staff are also happy to support start-ups and companies with questions and the development of ideas relating to device communication and networked manufacturing, and also provide practical assistance during implementation.
Example of Industrial Projects
With our excellent laboratory equipment and extensive expertise, we are available for research and development projects. We would also be pleased to realise your projects. From simple consultation and the implementation of initial ideas in prototypes to the development and conception of solutions – our team will certainly find creative approaches for every challenge.
We are happy to support your enquiries and research projects.
Is the bottle empty? Do I need to refill it, or will the contents last until the next day? Can the bottle not report when it needs to be refilled?
Yes, it can – if it is equipped with sensor technology and connected to a network. But how can this be implemented cost-effectively and reliably within the process? This question was solved in the IoT Laboratory for the company Gerstel.
GERSTEL GmbH & Co. KG specialises in the manufacture of devices for instrumental chemical analysis, particularly in the field of chromatography. The company focuses on automated sample preparation, where the monitoring of solvents contained in bottles during sample preparation had previously been missing.
The development of automated monitoring using fill level sensor technology formed the core challenge of the research project.
Through the integrated sensor technology of the developed prototype, fill levels in containers can be continuously measured and transmitted wirelessly to a central server. There, the data are analysed and managed. A live view visualises these data in real time in order to monitor the current levels. This enables the user to identify critical fill levels at a glance and to provide sufficient quantities of solvent before measurement cycles begin. A programmed monitoring algorithm supervises critical fill level thresholds and automatically sends a notification to the responsible user if the threshold is exceeded.
Students at Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences conducted research as part of their coursework into innovative manufacturing possibilities for producing bellows. For this purpose, the extensive equipment of the IoT Laboratory and its modern additive manufacturing technologies were used. An existing “3D printer” was modified so that flexible material could be processed, thereby enabling the direct printing of bellows.
In another developed manufacturing process, conventional “3D printers” were used to additively manufacture mould halves and employ them in a blow moulding process. Through intensive series of tests and the use of the developed production line, positive results were achieved that make small-scale production economically viable. Finally, the durability of the produced bellows was successfully tested on a test rig. This project was realised for the company August Penkert GmbH. Penkert is one of the leading manufacturers of bellows in Germany. Previously, these had been wound, sewn or glued. With the new, innovative manufacturing methods, the competitiveness of the company, particularly in direct comparison with countries with lower wage levels, was significantly improved.
Example of School Projects
The basic projects comprise approximately 8 hours. If an additional module is selected, the required time increases by approximately 4 hours. The maximum number of participants is 15 people, who should be at least 12 years old. Various basic projects are offered, which can be customised through additional modules.
The basic project includes assembling a circuit using plug connections. In addition, the pupils programme the microcontrollers under supervision and install a brightness sensor. The individual components are then integrated into a prefabricated lampshade, which is self-regulated via the sensor.
Additional Module 1.1: Soldering Connection Points Independently
The pupils receive a safety briefing and work instructions for the soldering stations and can then solder electrical components and connection cables onto a circuit board. The soldered joints are subsequently tested before work on the basic project continues.
Additional Module 1.2: Designing and Printing a Lampshade Independently
The pupils receive an introduction to the 3D modelling software “Meshmixer” and can then design their lampshade individually. Insight into additive manufacturing technologies is complemented by printing the lampshades using the available 3D printers and integrating them into the basic project afterwards.
The basic project includes the installation and connection of various components in a prefabricated plastic flex wristband. In addition, the mini microcontroller is programmed independently by the pupils under supervision.
Additional Module 2.1: Soldering Connection Points Independently
The pupils receive a safety briefing and work instructions for the soldering stations and can then solder electrical components and connection cables onto a circuit board. The soldered joints are subsequently tested before work on the basic project continues.
Additional Module 2.2: Designing and Printing a Wristband Independently
The pupils receive an introduction to the 3D modelling software “Meshmixer” and can then design their wristbands individually. Insight into additive manufacturing technologies is complemented by printing the wristbands using the available 3D printers and integrating them into the basic project afterwards.
Das Basis-Projekt beinhaltet die Vorbereitung der LED-Bänder für die Montage und die angeleitete Programmierung der Mikrocontroller. Abschließend werden die einzelnen Komponenten von den Schüler:innen an den mitgebrachten Skateboards befestigt.
Zusatzmodul 3.1: Verbindungsstellen selbst löten
Die Schüler:innen erhalten eine Sicherheitsunterweisung und Arbeitsanleitung an den Lötstationen und können dann elektrische Bauteile und Verbindungskabel mit einer Leiterplatte verlöten. Anschließend werden die Lötstellen getestet bevor die Arbeit am Basisprojekt weitergeht.
Zusatzmodul 3.2: Ausstattung mit Bewegungssensoren
Damit die Unterbodenbeleuchtung der Skateboards aus Bewegung reagiert und nicht bei jeder Nutzung manuell ein- und ausgeschaltet werden muss, statten die Schüler:innen ihre Boards zusätzlich mit Bewegungssensoren aus.
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund
