Abstract

Abstract-With the convergence of ultra-low-power communications and energy-harvesting technologies, networking selfsustainable ubiquitous devices is becoming feasible. Hence, we have been recently developing new devices, referred to as Energy Harvesting Active Networked Tags (EnHANTs). These small, flexible, and energetically self-reliant tags can be seen as a new class of devices in the domain between RFIDs and sensor networks. EnHANTs are made possible by advances in ultra-lowpower ultra-wideband (UWB) communications and in organic semiconductor-based energy harvesting materials. They will enable novel tracking applications, such as continuous monitoring of objects and locating misplaced items. In this demo, we present phase I EnHANT prototypes. These prototypes are much larger than the envisioned EnHANTs and do not include custom-made UWB and organic electronic components. Yet, they serve as platforms for preliminary experiments and allow demonstrating energy harvesting-adaptive EnHANT communications. Each prototype is based on a MICA2 mote and includes a customdesigned sensor board with a light sensor and a solar cell, which are used to determine the light energy received from the environment. We have also designed a monitoring system which is used in the demo to show how the EnHANT prototypes adjust their communications patterns based on their energy harvesting parameters. Index Terms-Energy harvesting, energy scavenging, energy adaptive networking, ultra-low-power communications, active tags, solar energy, indoor light.