Boston-based NubLabs, mad scientists all ((Of course, we mean that in a nice way.))  (if you don’t believe me, look at their projects page) have developed a USB thermal sensor.This – just in its guise as a thermal sensor – could have outstanding applications in, say, a Sahana installation. ((We’ve just gotten our own Sahana installation up – which can be seen, in its infancy, at http://sahana.popularlogistics.com)).

NuBlogger sensor from NubLabs.org

But, according to Nublabs, “the platform can be easily adapted to any number of sensors.”  So – here are a few straightforward applications for disaster detection and response:

• Seismic activity
• presence of particular substances (e.g. chlorine)
• air quality
• Wind speed/direction
• incline (if the PC is on a mobile comms platform, say a barge, knowing incline is a good way to know about capsize risk; on an automated buoy, a good way to know about water communications
• light – if in an area which is normally illuminated – absence of light can be sign that the power grid  is down.
• Noise – either by volume or pitch – detection of gunfire/explosions. Sad to say that this seems worth considering. But it may well be.

More on this after we make an attempt to have a word with NubLabs.