Milesight Sensors Offer Wireless Waste Bin and Water Leak Management for 31-story Building
Project Background

As the world rapidly shifts toward more sustainable and efficient living, smart buildings have emerged as the future of urban spaces. Advanced technologies are helping residential and commercial buildings optimize energy use, reduce waste, and prevent damage, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents while reducing operational costs. At Choovio, we are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, distributing cutting-edge smart sensor solutions from our trusted partner, Milesight. One such success story is their recent collaboration on the “Artisan Garden” project in Hong Kong.

The Challenge

The Artisan Garden is a high-quality residential complex located in the Ma Tau Kok area of Hong Kong. Developed by the New World Development Company Limited (NWD) and the HK Urban Renewal Authority, this 31-story building comprises 294 units, offering modern living spaces with a strong focus on sustainability. However, like many legacy buildings, Artisan Garden faced several challenges that could impact its long-term efficiency:

• Smart Waste Bin Management: Waste collection was performed on a predetermined schedule, regardless of whether the bins were full or not. This led to inefficiencies, unnecessary labor costs, and environmental concerns.
• Water Leak Detection: Water leaks from broken pipes or faulty faucets could cause significant damage, particularly in sensitive areas such as elevator pits. Early detection and prevention were critical to avoid costly repairs.
• Network Deployment: The existing wired infrastructure was not optimized for the advanced IoT technology required to manage a smart building effectively.

These challenges were creating friction in the building’s daily operations, and a smarter, more efficient system was needed.

The Solution: Milesight Smart Sensors

To address these issues, Milesight, a leading provider of IoT solutions, implemented a suite of advanced sensors at Artisan Garden. These sensors offered a seamless, cost-effective way to upgrade the building’s systems without requiring significant changes to its existing infrastructure.

Milesight’s EM300-SLD, EM310-UDL, and UG65 products were chosen for their efficiency, ease of deployment, and ability to provide real-time data monitoring through a cloud-based platform.

1. Smart Waste Bin Management

To optimize waste management, the EM300-SLD ultrasonic distance measurement sensors were installed in the building’s waste bins. These sensors measure the fill level of each bin in real-time, allowing the building’s management team to track waste levels and adjust collection schedules accordingly. The result is more efficient waste collection that reduces unnecessary trips, saving both time and fuel.

Key Features:

• Real-time Monitoring: The sensor continuously measures the available space in the waste bin and sends data to the cloud.
• No Additional Wiring: The sensor uses LoRaWAN technology to communicate wirelessly, eliminating the need for complex cabling and infrastructure changes.
• Efficiency: Waste collection is now based on actual waste bin fill levels, leading to fewer collections and optimized use of resources.

2. Water Leak Detection

Water leaks are a major concern in any building, and Artisan Garden was no exception. To tackle this issue, EM310-UDL spot leakage detection sensors were installed at critical points, near faucets and in elevator pits. These sensors detect even the smallest traces of moisture and immediately trigger alerts if water is detected in vulnerable areas.

Key Features:

• Precision Leak Detection: The sensor is designed to only trigger an alert when both probes are in contact with water, ensuring that false alarms are avoided.
• Real-time Alerts: Notifications are sent instantly via the Milesight IoT Cloud, enabling building management to act quickly and prevent water damage before it escalates.
• Reduced Risk of Damage: Early detection of leaks minimizes the risk of costly damage, particularly to sensitive electrical systems and elevator mechanisms.

3. Network Deployment Optimization

The building’s existing wired infrastructure was not efficient enough to support a smart building network. To solve this, UG65 LoRaWAN gateways were installed at strategic points throughout the building. These gateways provide long-range wireless coverage, connecting all IoT devices to the cloud for seamless data transmission and monitoring.

Key Features:

• Wide Coverage: The UG65 gateways ensure that sensors are connected throughout the building, even in areas with poor signal reception.
• LoRaWAN Technology: Low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) technology ensures that devices can communicate over long distances without draining power or requiring extensive cabling.
• Scalability: The system is designed to be scalable, allowing for the addition of new devices as the building’s smart capabilities expand.

Results

By deploying Milesight’s smart sensor technology, Artisan Garden overcame its operational challenges while making significant improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and maintenance. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Incredible Efficiency: With no need for additional cabling and easy integration with existing systems, the smart sensors could be deployed quickly and seamlessly.
• Smart Monitoring: The building’s management team now receives real-time data on waste bin fill levels and water leaks via the cloud. Alerts are sent directly to the team’s web and mobile app, allowing them to take action immediately.
• Cloud-based Strategy: Data collected from the sensors is processed in the cloud, simplifying daily operations and providing long-term insights into building performance.
• Timely Alerting: The system’s ability to send alerts as soon as an issue is detected allows for quick, efficient responses, preventing damage or inefficiencies.

In summary, the deployment of Milesight’s IoT solutions in Artisan Garden exemplifies how smart technology can transform traditional buildings into high-tech, efficient spaces. With Milesight’s cutting-edge products, the building now benefits from optimized smart waste bin management, real-time water leak detection, and a robust network infrastructure that supports future growth. As more cities and developers look to embrace smart solutions, the future of urban living is brighter and more connected than ever before.