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Active Research Projects
SLIPT-X: Simultaneous Lightwave Information and Power Transfer with Drone Activation and Satellite Backhaul for Secure Remote Sensing
SLIPT-X develops an energy-autonomous remote sensing platform that addresses a key limitation of solar-powered IoT systems: failure during prolonged low-light conditions. The project integrates drone-delivered optical power transfer, secure uplink activation, LoRaWAN connectivity, and satellite backhaul to restore and maintain sensor operation without physical intervention. Working with industry partners, the project aims to deliver a field-deployable prototype and establish a scalable pathway for resilient monitoring across hard-to-reach environments.
Project leadership: Dr Oktay Cetinkaya (Co-I), Dr Abderrahmen Trichili (PI, Northumbria University)
Project duration: 1 year
Project partners: Connexin & North Tyneside Council
Funding amount: £65,000
Funder: North East Space Communications Accelerator (NESCA)
Details: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/business-services/research-and-consultancy/nesca/
“Waste-Not! -Phase II”: Cross-Sector Engagement and Partnership Development for Edible Food Waste Reduction
This project builds on the successful ‘Waste-Not!’ prototype by focusing on real-world adoption and scale-up. It brings together local authorities, community organisations, and industry partners to understand user needs, identify deployment pathways, and establish practical routes for integration across households, SMEs, and commercial settings. The activity aims to convert existing interest into structured partnerships, pilot deployments, and a clear foundation for follow-on funding and commercialisation.
Project leadership: Dr Oktay Cetinkaya (PI)
Project duration: 3 months
Funding amount: £10,000
Funder: UKRI
Research Projects Delivered
“Waste-Not!”: Networked Sensor Innovation Driving Sustainable Food Practices, Community Sharing, and Waste Prevention
The ‘Waste-Not!’ initiative will leverage IoT-enabled sensors, advanced data analytics, and a user-friendly mobile app to help prevent household food waste. By employing machine learning algorithms to quantify food freshness in fridges and pantries, the platform will promote the timely consumption of food or the redistribution of surplus via geolocated announcements on the app. The app will also connect users with food banks, making their inventory visible and accessible, while integrating existing delivery networks (e.g., bike couriers) to streamline redistribution. Gamification features, such as leaderboards and small incentives like local discounts, will encourage participation further, fostering sustainability and maximising impact through community sharing.
Project leadership: Dr Oktay Cetinkaya (PI)
Project duration: 1 year
Project partners: Connexin & City Farm Systems
Funding amount: £60,000
Funder: Hubbub
Details: https://www.eatitupfund.org.uk/
IoT-based Pulsed Eddy Current Evaluation for Corrosion and Defects of Lampposts (I-PEACE)
This project develops a next-generation IoT-enabled platform for detecting corrosion in lampposts, aiming to safeguard infrastructure through proactive, non-invasive monitoring. Leveraging advanced remote field eddy current and wireless power transfer technology, the system goes beyond conventional methods by accurately identifying hidden, subsurface corrosion with no excavation or direct surface access. This innovative platform integrates smart materials, intelligent probe design, and cloud-based data management to deliver precise and scalable inspections. Built for real-world deployment and field-tested in diverse environments, this I-PEACE offers a transformative solution for predictive maintenance, public safety, and the sustainable management of urban lighting infrastructure.
Project leadership: Dr Oktay Cetinkaya (PI)
Project duration: 1 year
Project partners: EXATEC PTE Ltd.
Funding amount: £47,647
Funder: EPSRC
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