Wireless sensor monitors bridge stress

In the wake of the Minneapolis bridge collapse a couple of weeks ago, Steve Arms has designed an experimental sensor that uses wireless technology to asses the condition of bridges. It is self-powered thanks to integrated 6″ x 9″ solar panels, and offers the ability to gather information on strain, seismic activity, and vibrations on bridges. It isn’t going to be cheap retro-fitting bridges though, as the cost could run from $10,000 to as high as $30,000 per bridge, depending on the number and type of nodes used. Still, the ability to monitor bridges would definitely come in handy as the cost of a life is higher than the quoted 5 digit figures earlier.