Open Source Hardware and Software based Low-Cost Environmental Monitoring System for Underground mine

Abstract

Open source technology for supporting the Industry 4.0 has become the target of academic research in many sectors. This study reviewed the trends of open source technology, its forms, and some applications in industrial sectors. as a case study using open source technology as an innovative solution to replace existing costly technologies in the mining sector, this study also proposes an underground air quality monitoring system to support mine safety and occupational health issues. The system was developed using open-source hardware, Arduino and 3D printer, to design the monitoring device, as well as open source software, App Inventor, for development of an Android application for smartphones to enable remote communication with the system. In order to check and fix the low-sensors before deploying in the system, the calibration of the sensors outputs with high precision commercial products results for the precision and accuracy has been conducted. Field experiments were conducted at an underground tunnel and an underground mining site to assess the performance of the system in both mobile and static modes, respectively. The results of applying the proposed system to the both sites showed that although few limitations related to the precision of the technology still exist, the findings of the experiments prove that considering the cost factors, the mining industry can benefit from open source technology deployment in operation sites.