Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology offer
- POD Reference
- TOES20241025008
- Term of Validity
- 25 October 2024 - 25 October 2025
- Company's Country
- Spain
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
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General information
- Short Summary
- A spanish research group has developed a smart buoy that enhances the safety of bathers and yachters by providing a secure grip and emergency assistance features. This adaptable device can be installed on existing buoys, optimizing previous investments. It includes an SOS button, a communication system with GPS, and high-intensity LED lights for emergencies. This technology aims to position coastal areas as ‘Safe Destinations.’
- Full Description
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A spanish research group has developed a groundbreaking smart buoy designed to enhance the safety of bathers and yachters along coastal areas. This innovative buoy functions as both a boundary marker for swimming zones and a vital support system for individuals in distress. By providing a secure grip for buoyancy and an efficient means to request assistance during emergencies, the smart buoy addresses critical gaps in current safety measures.
Technical Overview
The smart buoy consists of mechanical and electronic components that make it universal, expandable, and energy self-sufficient. Its standout feature is its adaptability to existing buoy systems, allowing it to be installed on any current buoy used for marking beaches and bathing areas. This design optimizes previous investments in buoy infrastructure, enabling organizations to enhance safety without incurring significant additional costs.
The need for this device arises from the limitations of standard buoys, which primarily aid boaters and do not cater to swimmers or bathers who may encounter distress due to accidents or sudden health issues. Standard buoys can make it difficult for individuals to grasp them for support, especially in rough waters, increasing the risk of drowning. Additionally, the design of these buoys poses dangers from potential collisions, exacerbating hazards for vulnerable individuals.
Two-Part Solution
The smart buoy features a two-part solution:
Buoy Attachment System: This system adapts to any type, shape, or size of buoy. It includes an adjustable mesh that surrounds the buoy and multiple grips that help individuals gain buoyancy during emergencies.
Electronic Communication System: This advanced system includes several key features:
An SOS button for easily requesting help.
A communication device with various transmission options, ensuring functionality in different geographical locations. This system features a built-in microphone and loudspeakers for real-time communication with emergency services, along with a geographic positioning system (GPS) that provides precise location data for quick response.
A power supply battery that powers the entire system effectively.
An optional autonomous power supply utilizing solar panels to keep the battery optimally charged.
High-intensity LED lights for emergency signaling with 360-degree visibility when activated.
When an individual grips the buoy and requires assistance, pressing the SOS button activates three simultaneous processes:
The emergency light illuminates and flashes, emitting an SOS signal.
An alarm signal is sent to emergency services with the exact geolocation.
A voice call is established with emergency services, allowing immediate communication and support.
Objectives and Market Application
The primary objectives of this innovative buoy system are threefold: to reduce the rising number of drowning incidents along coastal areas, to maximize the utility of existing buoy marking infrastructure, and to position coastal regions as ‘Safe Destinations’ in the competitive tourism market.
Currently in the development phase, this technology targets the maritime technology sector, specifically companies manufacturing safety devices for maritime use. The researcher seeks collaboration with organizations or entities interested in further developing and commercializing this life-saving invention.
In summary, the smart buoy represents a significant advancement in maritime safety technology, providing a comprehensive solution to enhance the safety of bathers and yachters while optimizing existing resources. By fostering collaboration and promoting commercialization, this innovation has the potential to transform coastal safety standards and save lives. - Advantages and Innovations
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MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE TECHNOLOGY
• It has a dual role: on the one hand, to provide a safe grip in order to gain buoyancy and use it as a support and, on the other hand, to help in case of emergency or indisposition.
• It is a universal, versatile and adaptable invention because it does not require the purchase of any additional buoy to the existing ones, but it adapts to any type, shape and size of existing buoys.
• Speed in requesting help by means of several processes that are activated in parallel: light signals, calling to 112 with geolocation and verbal communication. In this way, emergency services can attend to people quickly and increase the chances of saving lives.
INNOVATIVE ASPECTS
The invention has several innovative aspects that should be highlighted:
• Versatility and adaptability because it is not necessary to acquire any additional buoy to the existing ones (optimising previous investments).
• Use of emerging communication technologies (which provide the system with 24/7 service guarantees and optimal use of telecommunications resources).
• Thanks to the modularity of the system, it is possible to incorporate other additional sensor devices that can be used, for example, to monitor sea conditions and water quality in scientific maritime studies (wind, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, CO2, turbidity, chlorophyll, plankton, detection of jellyfish or fish, etc.). - Stage of Development
- Under development
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 14: Life Below Water
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
- IPR description
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We are seeking collaboration with partners who possess specific technical expertise and resources to enhance the development and commercialization of the new smart lifebuoy. Key areas of expertise include:
Manufacturing Capabilities: Partners should have experience in manufacturing maritime safety devices, including knowledge of materials suitable for marine environments and efficient production techniques.
Electronics and Communication Systems: Expertise in designing and integrating advanced electronic components, particularly in emergency communication systems, is essential. This includes GPS technology, microcontrollers, and wireless communication protocols.
Renewable Energy Solutions: Knowledge in solar energy systems to ensure autonomous power supply for the lifebuoy, focusing on energy-efficient battery management and solar panel integration.
Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with maritime safety regulations and standards is crucial to ensure that the smart lifebuoy meets all necessary certifications for safety and reliability.
Market Development: Experience in market analysis and strategy development within the maritime technology sector to facilitate successful product launch and distribution.
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
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The collaboration in the development and commercialization of the new smart lifebuoy technology presents a unique opportunity for partners in the maritime technology sector. Partners are expected to play a pivotal role in several key areas, ensuring the successful transition from an innovative concept to a market-ready product.
1. Manufacturing Expertise
Partners with expertise in manufacturing maritime safety devices will be crucial for scaling production of the smart lifebuoy. This includes sourcing materials, designing efficient manufacturing processes, and ensuring quality control standards are met. Their experience will help optimize the production line for both cost-effectiveness and reliability, ultimately reducing time-to-market.
2. Technical Development
Technical partners will be expected to contribute to the enhancement and integration of the electronic communication system. This involves refining the call and rescue device, communication technologies, and solar power solutions to ensure they meet regulatory standards and function effectively in diverse maritime environments. Collaborators with backgrounds in electronics, telecommunications, and renewable energy technologies will be particularly valuable.
3. Market Research and Commercialization
Partners should engage in comprehensive market research to identify target customers, assess market demand, and analyze competitors. By leveraging their market knowledge, partners can help shape the marketing strategy, positioning the smart lifebuoy as an essential safety tool for beaches and coastal areas. Their insights into market trends will guide product features and pricing strategies, ensuring alignment with customer needs.
4. Regulatory Compliance
Navigating the regulatory landscape is critical in the maritime safety sector. Partners should have expertise in compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and maritime laws. Their role will include ensuring that the smart lifebuoy meets all necessary certifications, which will be essential for gaining market acceptance and trust.
5. Sales and Distribution
Strategic partners will facilitate the development of a robust sales and distribution network. This may involve partnerships with retailers, safety equipment suppliers, and maritime agencies. Their existing relationships within the industry can accelerate product introduction and establish distribution channels effectively, enabling widespread adoption of the technology.
6. Post-Market Support and Development
The partner's role extends beyond the initial launch of the product. Ongoing support, including customer service, warranty management, and feedback collection, is essential for continuous improvement of the smart lifebuoy. Partners can help in analyzing user feedback and performance data to refine the product and explore additional features or enhancements.
Conclusion
In summary, the expected role of partners in the development and commercialization of the smart lifebuoy encompasses manufacturing, technical development, market research, regulatory compliance, sales, and post-market support. By leveraging their expertise, partners will help transform an innovative concept into a life-saving device that enhances safety for bathers and yachters along our coastlines. This collaboration will not only capitalize on previous investments in buoy technology but will also position our beaches as safer destinations, ultimately contributing to reducing drowning incidents and improving maritime safety. - Type and Size of Partner
- SME <=10
- University
- R&D Institution
- SME 11-49
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 07003001 - Aquaculture
- 10004009 - Marine Environment
- 05002001 - Biosensor
- Market keywords
- 01006002 - Mobile communications, pagers and cellular radio
- 02007005 - Communications/networking
- 01001004 - Other commercial communications
- Sector Groups Involved
- Digital
- Targeted countries
- All countries