The detector monitors rodent presence in key areas like catering, food production, and farms. When a rodent enters, the sensor is triggered, and data about the detector's status and rodent count is sent to the cloud.
Industry:
Services:
TRL:
1 → 5
Project duration:
6 months
A startup company had the idea of creating a device for counting the rodents living in a monitored object. They approached EnCata with a suggested technology for the device, proposing an ultrasonic sensor for rodent detection. We tested this way of working the detector and realized that it doesn't work exactly how the customer wants it to work. This technology performed the main function of the device, but it did not meet the characteristics that the detector was supposed to have.
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CAD Design
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Multilayer PCB design
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PCB assembly
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STM32 MCU
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NB-Iot
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Metalworks
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Power management
Capacitive sensors
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SMD
STMicroelectronics
For the device to function effectively in enterprises, it needed to meet three key requirements:
EnCata developed a new solution using rodent movement detection instead of the ultrasonic sensor. This method proved more energy-efficient, less expensive, and allowed us to expand the detection area by placing the lower circuit board across the bottom of the detector.
We started by testing the concept. Using a custom circuit board and a cardboard box with a hamster, a sensor at the bottom detected the rodent’s movements and sent a signal, confirming the feasibility of the approach.
We then designed an electric circuit for efficient data transfer to the customer’s server, using NB-IoT technology. The circuit board was positioned in the upper part of the device, enabling a power-saving mode during mobile network operation. The electronics were adapted to the device’s size and protected from potential rodent damage.
A prototype was built to test the engineering solutions and assembly, which was later demonstrated to the customer. Modern components were used to achieve the required energy-saving and functionality.
EnCata delivered the first prototype mockup to the client for evaluation and testing. Based on their feedback, the device was refined, firmware updated, new features added, and an initial batch of 10 prototypes was produced for testing across various locations. The project is ongoing.
device current consumption in rodent standby mode during the testing phase of the first prototype
to manufacture the batch of 10 prototypes
the project had gone from the preliminary concept stage to designing and manufacturing a batch of prototypes
