Hawaiʻi is confronting various environmental hazards including wildfires, drought, flooding, hurricanes, tsunamis, and water contamination, all of which are exacerbated by climate change. The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1.25 million grant to researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Georgia Tech to develop 3D printed sensors aimed at gathering critical environmental data in real-time.
The initiative focuses on creating low-cost, open-source electronics capable of producing sensors that are both quick to manufacture and easy to deploy. These sensors can be printed in just a few minutes and are designed to collect vital information about water quality, soil contamination, and other environmental factors. The collected data is sent to a compact, AI-powered device that uploads the information to the cloud.
The research team is exploring multiple 3D printing methods for creating these sensors, including aerosol jet, inkjet, and direct-ink-writing technologies. This hybrid approach enables flexibility in design, allowing integration of multiple materials and functionalities that are often unavailable in standard commercial devices. The sensors will have custom circuits supported by an open library that enables rapid customization, addressing specific local environmental monitoring needs.
Community engagement is fundamental to this project; it involves collaboration with local organizations responsible for land and water stewardship. By working closely with stakeholders such as elders, educators, and community members, the researchers will ensure that the sensors meet local priorities, whether it’s monitoring specific water qualities or tracking environmental changes over time.
The project will include design workshops and peer exchanges to share findings and create validated sensor designs that communities can build and use. It aims not only to provide immediate tools for environmental monitoring but also to offer open-source materials that allow others to adapt and improve upon the work.
For more information, refer to the article from the University of Hawai’i here.