Why is this work relevant for Innovation?

H2.0 has the potential to revolutionise a system that hasn't dramatically changed in thousands of years: Water distribution. H2.0 is a working prototype of an IoT water distribution network. Using IBM Watson and IoT sensors, this system is able to monitor, control and sustain the flow of water through the network buried beneath our streets and houses. For network operators and consumers, H2.0 presents a new model of water network infrastructure that can reduce costs, improve water delivery and increase customer service, through 24/7 monitoring and automated leak detection and re-routing protocols.

Background

Water is Earth’s most precious resource, yet, we still use a distribution system that hasn’t dramatically changed in thousands of years. In fact, we rely on an underground network that is hard to observe and maintain. It is estimated that up to 20% of the water in this system is lost in leaks. Locating and rectifying these leaks is difficult, time-consuming and costly. By better understanding the management of this network, we can save both water and money.

Describe the idea

H2.0 is a working prototype of an IoT water distribution network. Using IBM Watson and IoT sensors, this system is able to monitor, control and sustain the flow of water through the network buried beneath our streets and houses. Essentially turning a hard to observe system completely transparent, and self sustaining. Quite simply, H2.0 is a smart water network that manages and maintains itself. In this working prototype of a water distribution network, the water model interacts with the IoT platform via a number of devices and sensors, which monitor the performance of the network, and enable a number of operational functions.

What were the key dates in the development process?

The project started December 2017 and was set live in June 2018. The first 6 months were a process of development through investigation, testing and iteration. As this isn't a mature technology environment, we needed to test and learn as we went. We had a number of iterations for both the physical model and digital technology. By April 2018 we had a working combination of the physical and digital environments. In May we began the build of the digital interface, 3D printing the infrastructure and the projection mapping of the town. The working prototype is being used to convey the idea and convince buyers of our expertise in the area.

Describe the innovation/technology

H2.0 revolutionises plumbing and presents a smart water network of the future. H2.0 is a model of a water network, with physical valves, pumps flow sensors – to monitor the performance of the network as well as manage and operate the physical network. All sensors and control components are wirelessly connected to IBM Watson IoT network. Watson IoT presents operational dashboards and control environments Artificial Intelligence (AI) with in Watson IoT is used to identify leaks in the water network in real-time. Triggers in the AI also trigger the launch of a drone to inspect the network. Creating a fully immersive model to help better communicate complex ideas to non-technical people.

Describe the expectations/outcome

H2.0 presents a model of water distribution that could change the future dramatically. Our modelling has shown H2.0 to be capable of reducing leaks and municipal water wastage almost entirely. Understandably implementation on a wider scale will take dramatic infrastructure change and large capital, however, as a model of what the future could look like H2.0 has already garnered industry attention and the modelling is being developed with a leading National Water Solution Supplier. As water becomes increasingly scarce this solution could go some way to avoiding droughts and water shortages on a global scale.