Remote onsite visibility with Data & IoT technology

SensorMine hit the mark in 2021 catching the attention of multiple Awards judging panels as an innovative Data and IoT (Internet of Things) solution driving value in the agriculture and mining sectors. 

In an era of rapid technology advances, LAB³ SensorMine stands out. LAB³ won the Business Transformation category of the CRN Australia Impact Awards, was highly commended in the ARN Innovation Awards, and was a finalist in the InnovationAus Awards for Excellence.  

As a snapshot, SensorMine is a wireless solution that uses a suite of advanced cloud technology to collect, measure and analyse in real time, everything managers need to know about what’s happening out onsite and from afar. It includes the capabilities to monitor the environment and to accurately track vibrations in machinery to gauge condition performance. 

The technology reduces the need to send people out on the ground as often, which can be expensive, is time consuming and also includes risks to worker safety. As such, SensorMine transforms operational management and delivers increased efficiency and profit growth. 

SensorMine in Action: Agriculture 

In agriculture, SensorMine can be used to collect accurate information in real time above and below ground throughout a crop cycle, to maximise crop yield and for long term land health. 

The solution has been successfully deployed in this context for LAB³ client AgBioEn. AgBioEn are investing AU$2 billion in an Australian-first ‘farm to fuel’ initiative that aims to turn agricultural crop waste into renewable energy and fuels.  

To achieve this AgBioEn are undertaking field trials to improve yields in grain or cob (produce more food), increase biomass of agricultural waste (for fuel production), and increase carbon sequestered in the soil (to reduce the carbon footprint). 

SensorMine was deployed using IoT devices including soil probes, weather stations and multi spectral imagery from drones. Agronomists were presented with accurate real time data, and in the first 6 months of having this data on hand as a management tool AgBioEn observed: 

• Crop improvements of around 30%  
• Greater quality and quantity of agricultural waste  
• Higher levels of carbon captured in the soil  

SensorMine in Action: Mining 

Until now mining environments have been challenging for cloud technologies. Located in remote regions, mine sites span over kilometres and experience harsh conditions, particularly with wet season flooding and mud creating access issues.  

Through its impressive long-range network (10km), long-lasting battery life (3 years), and capability to intelligently switch between high-density and low-density data capture, SensorMine overcomes these obstacles.  

From a screen anywhere, it provides 24×7 real-time visibility across mine sites. SensorMine has been deployed for example, on a mine site owned by a major mining company at remote bore locations to monitor water pump performance to ensure environmental compliance. 

Set for other industry use cases: There are no limits! 

To create SensorMine as a complete technology package, LAB³ has invested in a state-of-the-art electronics laboratory for design, prototyping, testing, and production of IoT sensors.

As a ready-made product, these sensors are adaptable and effective across other use cases. They have already been used in transport and by local councils to help with planning and development. All without the high price of a bespoke solution.