Micro notes : a highly penetrating probe for inaccessible environments

We present a novel approach for mapping and monitoring otherwise non accessible environments by means of injecting millimeter sized sensor motes. Prerequisite for successful operation is the development of self sustained and fully functional sensor motes designed for deployment in situations of radio isolation and the absence of the Global Positioning System. Based on the results of a pilot project we discuss the principle feasibility of the approach, indications for the achievable penetration of underground oil reservoirs and methodologies to extract system information based on mote sensor data.

If our approach proves to be successful, we are convinced that many industries and the society in general will benefit from the availability of this novel sensor technology, eventually leading to more effective and smarter usage of available resources, contributing to economical maintenance of large-scale infrastructures and the assessment and the control of calamities.