Commercialising the BILBY® – a below ground wireless sensor node

This project is taking the next steps towards commercialising the BILBY®.

The BILBY® is a below ground communications node that houses any type of soil sensor. By locating it underground, it is kept safe from damage by stock, machinery or pests. The BILBY® sends data (such as soil moisture) to an above ground gateway located safely in a non-production area such as a laneway or fence line. It is capably of sending data to a receiver up to 500 metres away.

It will allow farmers to install soil moisture probes along with its power supply and communications, completely underground. This has the dual benefits of protecting expensive equipment and installing sensors in the actual production zone. By taking away the risk of damage to in-paddock sensors, farmers can make data-based decisions to improve soil management.

The project will advance the technical development of the BILBY®, conduct extensive consumer evaluation and advance to commercial readiness to develop a sustainable business model for getting the BILBY® into the hands of Australian farmers.

This project will increase both the technical and commercial readiness of the BILBY® with the aim of delivering a field tested, pre-commercialisation device that is ready for commercial investment, compliance testing, marketing, and manufacturing.