A MESSAGE FROM DUST NETWORKS' CTO & FOUNDER

I began my early research in wireless sensor networking in Berkeley, California in the mid 1990’s. Back then, the sensors themselves were simple, and the focus was on delivering miniature devices that could quite easily be sprinkled like dust to measure heat or vibration. The term “Smart Dust” not only served to inspire others to share my vision, but became the basis of the name for the company I co-founded in 2002.

I’m struck by how the exciting work being done today by researchers and companies in wireless sensor networking has enabled applications that have never before been possible. By providing a bridge between information systems and the physical world, wireless sensor networks can help companies to dramatically increase efficiency, eliminate downtime, and ensure worker safety

When Dust Networks was founded, we envisioned a world of ubiquitous sensing – a world of connected sensors gathering information economically and reliably, information that had previously been impractical or impossible to acquire. Today, our vision remains, and I encourage the academic and research community to join their colleagues in sharing information and practical solutions. I have been fortunate to have witnessed first hand the exciting innovation in the wireless sensor networking community. It’s my hope that the Dust Networks Research Innovation Program will serve to continue this tradition for years to come.

Kris Pister
Founder and CTO, Dust Networks
Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, UC Berkeley