Wireless Sensor Networks for Agriculture and Automation: Challenges and Chances for Sustainability

The following paper presents first results from the research project "Innovation and Technology Analysis for Autarkic Microsystems Networks" financed by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research, which investigates risks and chances of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) applications in various fields, but specifically for agriculture and automation technology applications. The paper will give an insight into the current state of the art of WSN in precision agriculture and automation technology and will discuss challenges and opportunities for development of wireless technology and autarkic sensor networks. The question to which degree WSNs can contribute to sustainable development will be tackled. Autarkic sensor networks are still in a very early stage of development but are considered to be of immense market potential. At the same time, they may cause considerable risks regarding for instance privacy and data protection, environmental impacts and acceptance. An outlook on future technology development needs will be given.