Technical Notes

Wireless sensor market jumps to $7 billion by 2010
10 March 2004

In another example showing the growth of wireless sensors, more than one-half billion nodes will ship by 2010, totaling at least $7 billion, according to a report by San Diego–based wireless research firm, ON World.

Although wireless sensors have been around for decades, the technology has stayed in an infancy stage until recently. Now advanced radio frequency integrated circuits are available for less than $3 in high volumes, and smart sensor integrated circuits are becoming widespread, according to the report entitled "Wireless Sensor Networks: Mass Market Opportunities."

What is in the wireless industry's way? "Today, the lack of standards is the biggest limitation," said Mareca Hatler, ON World's research director. There are more than 100 proprietary sensor protocols today, and manufacturers have created their own expensive products that will not work with products from other manufacturers, Hatler said.

Wireless sensors are especially beneficial in industrial and commercial building settings where they can reduce the cost of wiring by up to 80%, officials said. In addition to reducing energy consumption by as much as 50%, wireless sensors can reach places where wires will not go, including areas filled with toxins or high temperatures. Another area of growth is monitoring industrial process equipment, which can save millions of dollars in potential lost productivity.

By 2010, ON World research shows wireless sensors will also be widespread for consumer markets such as monitoring and controlling heating, lighting, venting, and appliances. In the future, consumers will also likely use wireless sensors to track their belongings, pets, and children and to monitor their cars and even their own vital signals. For related information, go to www.isa.org/sensors.