Be Smart

Researchers in the EU have been developing a self-organising ad-hoc wireless standard, which could create point-to-point and mesh networks and adapt not only to new or out-of-range devices but without intervention from a human operator or from specific interoperability in running applications.  Called Reconfigurable Ubiquitous Networked Embedded Systems (RUNES), the project would use anything from GSM, WiFi and Bluetooth to less common standards such as ZigBee, regardless of OS, and even "robotic routers" that could move into place to bridge a gap in an existing network.

"RUNES set out to create middleware: software that bridges the gap between the operating systems used by the mobile sensor nodes, and high-level applications that make use of data from the sensors. RUNES middleware is modular and flexible, allowing programmers to create applications without having to know much about the detailed working of the network devices supplying the data" Science Daily 

"A lot of people have been looking at embedded systems networking, but so far there has been a reluctance to take the plunge commercially.  RUNES' open-source model is an excellent way to stimulate progress, and it should generate plenty of consultancy work for the academic partners" Dr Lesley Hanna, consultant and dissemination manager, RUNES

Hanna used the example of a tunnel fire, with wired communication channels cut off and fire crews uncertain of where the source of the blaze was located and where survivors were.  Instead, wireless sensors could be rearranged into an ad-hoc network delivering information to the crew, with information on visibility, temperatures, and the locations of vehicles and people.

Although led by Ericsson, much of the research has been carried out by universities and falls into the public domain or open-source.

[via Slashdot]