Wireless Sensor Networks for Process Monitoring: The Rise of Remote Control (Editorial)

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which are capable of monitoring or controlling the systems to which they are coupled, have seen increased usage in industrial applications over recent years. A WSN consists of multiple ‘nodes’: small, autonomous devices which are inherently resource constrained and must operate for extended periods of time from limited local energy reserves. Nodes typically contain sensors, a microcontroller, radio transceiver, and power supply. The node’s sensors monitor the system to which they are coupled; for example, a node mounted on an electric motor could measure its vibration signature