Researchers Go Wi-Fi To Study Gentle Giants

Nov. 29, 2004
The giant panda is in peril, and Wi-Fi technology is coming to the rescue. Intel Corp. recently deployed a campus-wide broadband and wireless communications network in China's Wolong Nature Reserve, home to nearly 300 of the world's 1500 remaining...

The giant panda is in peril, and Wi-Fi technology is coming to the rescue. Intel Corp. recently deployed a campus-wide broadband and wireless communications network in China's Wolong Nature Reserve, home to nearly 300 of the world's 1500 remaining pandas. Previously, researchers within the 2000-km2 reserve relied on some cellular access as well as dial-up Internet connections in the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda's nursing area for communications. But the new 802.11b wireless local-area network covers the administrative offices, the Wolong Giant Panda Museum, and the research center, which incorporates the breeding center, playground, and hospital, in addition to the nursery.

Instead of notebooks and pencils, researchers now use notebook PCs equipped with Intel's Centrino technology to record data. This is especially useful in the field as researchers chronicle the pandas' daily activities and share data, images, and video with colleagues around the world. Veterinary staff in the administrative office can use the video system to remotely monitor the health and care of the reserve's 80 captive pandas, including the 30 cubs born over the last four years. In fact, one veterinarian used the system to observe feeding trends among the panda cubs and suggest changes that improved their chances of survival.

Intel also worked with the Globio educational foundation to create the Children's Learning Lab at the Wolong Giant Panda Museum. The museum is tied into the reserve's new wireless network. Intel additionally donated Centrino-equipped laptops that will be used by local teachers and students from Wolong's Sha Wan and Geng Da Central primary schools. Globio and Intel even created a sister learning lab at Woodstock Elementary School in Portland, Ore. The Woodstock and Sha Wan students will use the technology to interact with each other and learn more about their respective ecologies.

For details, go to www.intel.com.

See associated figure

Sponsored Recommendations

Highly Integrated 20A Digital Power Module for High Current Applications

March 20, 2024
Renesas latest power module delivers the highest efficiency (up to 94% peak) and fast time-to-market solution in an extremely small footprint. The RRM12120 is ideal for space...

Empowering Innovation: Your Power Partner for Tomorrow's Challenges

March 20, 2024
Discover how innovation, quality, and reliability are embedded into every aspect of Renesas' power products.

Article: Meeting the challenges of power conversion in e-bikes

March 18, 2024
Managing electrical noise in a compact and lightweight vehicle is a perpetual obstacle

Power modules provide high-efficiency conversion between 400V and 800V systems for electric vehicles

March 18, 2024
Porsche, Hyundai and GMC all are converting 400 – 800V today in very different ways. Learn more about how power modules stack up to these discrete designs.

Comments

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Electronic Design, create an account today!