Skudai, Johor Bahru, 2025 — In line with UTM’s commitment to advancing sustainable technologies, Prof. Madya Dr. Nor Azimah bt Mohd Zain from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has introduced an innovative wireless environmental monitoring solution known as the EcoGold Smart Monitoring System. This invention, showcased at the 27th Industrial Art & Technology Exhibition and Competition (INATEX 2025), aims to revolutionize vermicomposting and agricultural practices through smart, offline data monitoring.
A New Era of Smart and Sustainable Farming
The EcoGold Smart Monitoring System integrates soil temperature and moisture sensors with a compact ESP32 microcontroller, enabling real-time monitoring of key environmental parameters crucial for agriculture and organic waste management. Designed for both rural and remote deployment, the system operates as a self-hosted Wi-Fi access point, allowing users to access live data through an interactive web dashboard—all without requiring an internet connection.
By providing continuous, accurate, and visual data, EcoGold empowers farmers, researchers, and compost managers to make data-driven decisions that improve soil health, compost efficiency, and crop productivity. The system supports sustainable agricultural practices while minimizing dependence on costly commercial monitoring systems.
Addressing the Gaps in Modern Agriculture
Traditional smart monitoring systems often depend on internet connectivity, which limits their use in rural areas. EcoGold addresses this challenge by functioning entirely offline, offering a low-cost and self-contained alternative. This makes it an ideal solution for small-scale farmers and compost producers who need affordable, real-time tools to monitor soil conditions and optimize composting performance.
Dr. Nor Azimah highlighted that many composting operations suffer from unpredictable soil conditions due to the absence of real-time data. “EcoGold bridges this gap by providing immediate access to crucial environmental information, even in areas without internet access,” she explained.
Features and Functionality
The EcoGold system is equipped with a DS18B20 waterproof digital temperature sensor and an analog soil moisture sensor, both of which continuously monitor soil conditions. Data is visualized through a browser-based dashboard with live-updating charts and sensor readings. Each unit broadcasts a unique Wi-Fi name and provides a RESTful API endpoint for advanced data integration and analysis.
Key benefits of EcoGold include:
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Fully offline operation ideal for rural deployment
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Affordable and user-friendly setup for farmers and educators
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Compatibility with solar energy systems for sustainable use
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Educational potential as a teaching tool in IoT and environmental science
Meeting Market and Community Needs
Malaysia’s agricultural landscape, especially in rural regions, still faces challenges in adopting smart farming tools due to connectivity barriers and high costs. EcoGold meets this market need by offering a scalable, low-cost monitoring solution that promotes better environmental control and decision-making. Its deployment supports government initiatives aimed at developing smart agriculture and sustainable food systems.
EcoGold’s impact extends beyond technology—it strengthens the link between innovation, education, and sustainability. The system not only supports improved agricultural efficiency but also fosters awareness and learning in modern environmental management.
Researcher Information:
Prof. Madya Dr. Nor Azimah bt Mohd Zain
Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
📧 norazimah@utm.my
Category: Agriculture, Aquaculture & Environment
Event: 27th Industrial Art & Technology Exhibition and Competition (INATEX 2025)
Theme: Harnessing AI for a Resilient and Sustainable Future
