Last updated: 14 November 2019
As we’ve said before, one of the key goals of our IoTMaker Challenge has been to discover some new and innovative IoT ideas and solutions to fit into our increasingly connected world..
We’ve had some brilliant entries, such as IoT-connected motorcycle helmets that update bikers in real time, an IoT Traffic Accident Detector, a smart gardening solution named ePot, and even a swear jar that invoices you for profanities. Safety emerged as a key theme in many entries, and one of our favourites was a connected fire extinguisher from Guillaume Chabas.
Guillaume’s extinguisher solution is, essentially, an IoT-connected modern extinguisher chassis, that could be customized for different types of firefighting, which can auto-dial the emergency services when it’s put into action. We can see this working well in a variety of situations, especially if you can customize how and when the emergency services are called. For example, if the extinguisher’s been in action for over a minute, it could signal a serious emergency and raise a higher alert. (at that stage, the user might need some professional help with the blaze).
Guillaume’s submission to the challenge also included the idea of using NFC tagging to help manufacturers keep an inventory of the extinguishers. This could track when they’re used, when they’re low and when they may even be the wrong type of extinguisher for a building; e.g. a water filled extinguisher could be flagged to the manufacturer if the building’s main fire risk is listed as electrical rather than wood or paper.
The concept has real potential to save lives, and that’s one of the main reasons it’s made our shortlist. As we’ve outlined in the criteria for the Challenge, real-world value and viability (buildability) are key to the judging process, which begins very soon. So, make sure you stay tuned; it won’t be long before we unveil the winner!
What do you think of an IoT-connected fire extinguisher? Could it be improved somehow? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to us @Gemalto, or leave us a note in the comments section below.
