In the rapidly evolving landscape of smart home technologies, a groundbreaking study led by Roman Korostenskyi from the Radioelectronic and Computer Systems Department at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv is making waves. Published in the journal ‘Електроніка та інформаційні технології’ (translated to English as ‘Electronics and Information Technologies’), the research introduces an innovative approach to indoor plant irrigation that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and fuzzy logic to optimize water usage and enhance plant care.
Korostenskyi and his team have developed an intelligent irrigation system that uses a Raspberry Pi 4 microcomputer and the SEN0308 soil moisture sensor to monitor soil humidity and indoor air temperature. The system employs an artificial neural network with two hidden layers and fuzzy logic inference methods to determine the precise amount of water needed for irrigation. This sophisticated approach ensures that plants receive the optimal amount of water, preventing both under- and over-watering.
“The system operates by periodically analyzing the soil’s relative humidity and indoor air temperature, making decisions regarding the activation of the irrigation mechanism based on the collected data,” explains Korostenskyi. The implementation of AI algorithms and fuzzy logic enables automatic regulation of water usage according to environmental conditions, significantly improving the efficiency of the irrigation process.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its potential impact on water conservation. The study found that the proposed approach reduces average monthly water consumption by 25–27%, a substantial improvement over traditional irrigation methods. This not only benefits individual homeowners but also has broader implications for water resource management and sustainability.
“The results indicate the high efficiency of using artificial intelligence and fuzzy logic methods for the rational utilization of water resources,” Korostenskyi notes. The algorithms can be implemented on low-power computational platforms commonly used in automation and IoT systems, making them accessible and scalable for a wide range of applications.
The integration of AI and fuzzy logic in smart home systems represents a significant advancement in the field of embedded systems and IoT. As Korostenskyi points out, the proposed intelligent irrigation system demonstrates the potential for functional expansion and the integration of innovative technologies for indoor plant care. This research could pave the way for more sophisticated and efficient smart home solutions, enhancing the daily comfort of residents while promoting sustainable practices.
In the broader context of the energy sector, the application of AI and fuzzy logic in irrigation systems could lead to more efficient water management practices, reducing the energy required for water pumping and treatment. This could have a ripple effect on energy consumption and costs, making it a valuable area of exploration for energy companies and policymakers alike.
As the world continues to embrace smart technologies, the work of Korostenskyi and his team serves as a testament to the transformative potential of AI and fuzzy logic in creating more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent systems. The research not only advances the field of smart home technologies but also offers a glimpse into the future of water conservation and energy management.