SHIELD (Structural Health Inspection with Embedded Low‑Power Devices)

SHIELD (Structural Health Inspection with Embedded Low-Power Devices) aims to develop the next generation of autonomous and energy-efficient systems for monitoring the structural health of bridges. The project addresses the growing need for continuous and cost-effective infrastructure monitoring, where traditional inspection methods are often insufficient, costly and unable to detect hidden or early-stage damage.

As part of the project, IoTBridge and FiberCheck, together with Mid Sweden University and Chemnitz University of Technology, will develop a complete prototype system that combines advanced sensors, low-power electronics, edge-based AI analysis and self-sustaining energy solutions. The system is based on a network of vibration and strain sensors that can be installed both wirelessly and via wired connections, continuously collecting data on the dynamic behaviour of bridges. By moving data analysis closer to the sensors, directly on the nodes and the central data acquisition unit, the need for energy-intensive data communication and cloud storage is reduced. The result is a robust, scalable and significantly more cost-effective monitoring system.

The project is expected to contribute to increased safety, reduced maintenance costs, extended bridge lifespans and a lower environmental impact through fewer manual inspections and more efficient use of resources. The autonomously powered solution makes the system particularly well suited for remote locations without access to electrical infrastructure.