High-tech applications seen at IOT fair

Unmanned aerial vehicles monitoring environment conditions of paddy fields and in-vehicle systems able to check available parking lots nearby were some of the Internet of Things applications displayed at an industrial show, which opened in Shanghai yesterday.

Shanghai has identified the IOT, which refers to radio connection technology linking up various devices, as a strategic industry to develop in sectors like transport, agriculture and health care.

An UAV featuring eight arms with sensors and cameras which can monitor temperature, humidity, air quality and plant growth was displayed at the IOT China 2014.

The UAV is used in Shanghai's Chongming Island to monitor paddy plants, said Sun Dong, Shanghai Agriculture Information Co's marketing manager.

Sun said the UAV acts like smart eyes to help monitor the growth condition of the paddy so that any potential risks can be hedged before they occur.

The IOT also has applications in the automotive industry for connecting the car, mobile phone and other infrastructure.

Qoros, one of the fair's participants, has an in-vehicle application to help car owners check available parking lots nearby and their charges. Users pay 300 yuan (US$49) a year for the application.

Shanghai eyes new health care detecting and diagnosis systems with IOT applications to create an output of 10 billion yuan in 2020, industry officials said at the show which ends today.