Ambient Sensor Systems

Some sensor systems for use in construction are similar to those discussed in the environment section, but this sensing is really more about detecting structural stresses on the building, wear and tear etc, and alerting people to weaknesses or changes the building may be undergoing.

Sensor use in buildings can also provide environmental monitoring, or even temperature control whereby it can be linked to the heating/air-conditioning system to choose an optimal setting, based on the data the sensor picks up.

Nanotechnology can also help to provide a systems-wide approach in detailing how the 'building is feeling'. All sensor and monitoring data will be communicated to a central node where the information can then be disseminated and acted upon.

The electronics involved will be smaller, but equally as (or even more) powerful. They will be more energy efficient, and could even include small solar cells to effectively allow them to power themselves. As a result, there is the potential to make the systems maintenance-free and long lasting.