Smart Watering System
Our client's flagship offering is a smart irrigation system aimed at optimizing water usage across gardens, farms, and landscaping projects. The client addressed Four Ages with the request to design and implement a functional prototype that would seamlessly integrate hardware, firmware, and software. They wanted the solution to be enhanced with a user-friendly interface accessible via both web and mobile platforms.
Client location
USA
Industry
IoT
Duration
8 months
Team
15 people
Challenge
One of the primary difficulties was that the system required smooth communication between the physical hardware (sensors, controllers), the firmware (developed in C++), and the backend (using Node.js). Additionally, providing low-latency data exchange on the mobile app side was a significant challenge. The app had to support real-time control, which demanded prompt reaction to inputs. Lastly, the user experience and interface design came with some hurdles. At this point, Four Ages had to create a simple yet effective interface to manage the watering system and provide advanced options for those who needed them.
Solution
When dealing with the project, Four Ages focused on creating a smart system that could manage continuous data updates, provide intuitive user interaction, and ensure efficient water usage.
System Architecture & Backend Development
Four Ages built a robust backend with Node.js. Our solution ensured instantaneous data handling and effective connection between devices and the cloud. This action-triggered system facilitated minimal delay operations, thus allowing the watering solution to respond instantly to environmental changes.
Frontend & Mobile Development
For web and mobile interfaces, Four Ages used React.js and React Native. We also leveraged Redux and Redux-Thunk to maintain an uninterrupted data flow across components. The mobile app provided UX-oriented system control, making it handy for advanced users who could precisely configure automation and monitoring settings.
Hardware & Firmware Integration
Four Ages developed the hardware with sensors for real-time data collection and firmware in C++ for fast, low-power processing. The system dynamically adjusted watering based on sensor input. Secure wireless communication ensured seamless cloud synchronization. It also enabled remote tracking and precise management via web and mobile apps.
Impact
The innovative solution developed by Four Ages reduced water consumption by up to 30% through intelligent scheduling and on-the-spot sensor data. We could achieve this by leveraging the event-driven architecture and low-delay backend. These components permitted the system to swiftly adapt to environmental changes.
The backend architecture secured 99% uptime reliability, so providing constant assessment and precise oversight. Additionally, the mobile app, which we designed, was easy to use and convenient for people of all experience levels.
This project’s success was further recognized when the engineering team received the 1st place at the "Golden Byte" competition.
Responsibilities
System architecture design
Backend development
Frontend development
Mobile App Development
Technologies
Author:
Maria Roy
