Design Portfolio
HydroTrak
The HydroTrak remote livestock monitoring system was my Honours project in Industrial design (research thesis equivalent). It is a remote monitoring system that analyses the behaviour of livestock at a water source to determine their location, health, productivity and reproductive status.
​
The remote monitoring of livestock increases efficiencies and improves animal welfare through quicker identification of health and well-being indicators. This allows for more accurate management practices to be implemented by the farmer and reduces the need for unnecessary stock handling.
The system automatically records and analyses the frequency and duration of each visit individual animals make to a water source and forms a database which can be accessed via smartphone or computer. HydroTrak detects and alerts farmers of uncharacteristic drinking patterns associated with disease and pregnancy before visually identifiable symptoms can be recognised during routine stock checks. The system can also be used for identifying missing animals and has the ability match offspring to their mothers.
HydroTrak works in conjunction with passive radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags attached to animals as part of the National Livestock Identification System implemented by the Federal government to ensure lifetime animal traceability. A floating antenna which adjusts to variations in the water level, reads the animals tag and the information is transmitted up to 40km via telemetry.
Features
Featuring a built in lithium iron phosphate battery and solar cell power supply the device does not require charging or maintenance even when ample sunlight is not available. The rugged housing incorporates UV resistant plastic and waterproof connectors suitable for extended exposure to harsh outdoor environments.
The float automatically adjusts to the water level which it is in. This weighted base also stops the floating reader from moving away from this point, affecting the read range.
​
The solar panel can be adjusted to the angle which optimises the sun captures, depending on the users latitude.
Development and Testing
Development included early form and colour exploration and 3D prototype testing in the intended environment.
Other technical considerations around RFID read ranges and the specific components required to run the whole system were also considered in detail.
More projects
