A bio-inspired microwave wireless system for constituting passive and maintenance-free IoT networks

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Biomimetics

Background:

• Wireless network expansion presents deployment and maintenance challenges for microwave terminals.
• Existing systems often require batteries and power cables, limiting placement and increasing upkeep.
• Need for robust, self-sufficient wireless communication solutions is growing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a passive, maintenance-free wireless network system inspired by biological structures.
• To overcome limitations of traditional microwave terminal deployment and power supply.
• To enhance the longevity and reliability of distributed wireless communication systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized stimuli-responsive polymers with tunable stiffness for structural support and protection of electromagnetic components.
• Synthesized self-healable, skin-like polymers for system encapsulation, mimicking vertebrate skin.
• Implemented a hybrid energy harvesting strategy combining ambient light and microwave energy capture.
• Engineered ambient electromagnetic wave modulation for long-range wireless communication.

Main Results:

• The bio-inspired system demonstrated superior flexibility, electromagnetic stability, and structural robustness.
• Self-healable polymer encapsulation provided enhanced protection and system longevity.
• The hybrid energy harvesting eliminated the need for batteries and external power sources.
• Achieved stable, battery-less, and maintenance-free wireless communication capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Biomimetic design offers a viable strategy for creating resilient and self-sustaining wireless communication systems.
• The developed system significantly reduces maintenance requirements and deployment constraints for microwave terminals.
• This multidisciplinary approach enables wireless communication deployment in diverse and challenging environments.