Soon there may be a cheap, flexible way to make vending machines call service people when they need filling.

The same technology could be used to set up a low cost do-it-yourself home security system that will call a person's mobile if anyone breaks into their house. The system could also control a sprinkler system, with just a phone call.

A team at CSIRO is developing a low-cost, web-based infrastructure that will enable a variety of monitoring and control applications. The system combines sensor technology, the Internet and the mobile phone network.

"At the moment it is possible to get systems that do similar things, but they tend to involve purpose designed devices that can only do that one thing and are very expensive," says Dr Ken Taylor from CSIRO Mathematical and Information Sciences.

"The plan is to use a combination of existing Internet, mobile phone and SMS infrastructure to develop this technology for a range of applications for businesses and home use."

"This will not only keep costs down, it will make it easier for users to configure the system to their specific needs."

Dr Taylor says that the system is being designed to work two ways - to control devices and for monitoring.

"So, you can control things - such as turning your watering system on and off - using a mobile phone. And the system also makes it possible for devices to report back to you - your garden could call you when it was wet enough, or you could receive a message if your home was invaded."

The kinds of applications the system could be used for include:

• vending machines (drink, ice, snack) that call the supplier when they are nearly empty. Suppliers can set-up the flexible system however suits them, whereas other technologies are configured in one way by the manufacturer.
• cashless vending machines where vending is controlled remotely and activated by a mobile phone call. Customers can be identified and use is logged on the Internet
• photocopiers that call for service when they need fixing
• do-it-yourself back-to-base building security
• control applications in process and agricultural industries
• controlling wastewater systems
• controlling irrigation - farmers would have access to watering data on the web and be able to control their watering no matter where they were
• environmental monitoring

The team is currently developing a sprinkler system that comes on or turns off when a special number is dialed, sends an alert when watering is complete and compiles a watering history on the web. They have also developed a vending machine that issues drinks when instructed to by a mobile phone.

People in Canberra will be able to see the sprinkler system in action, and try it themselves, at the ACT CSIRO Open Days, October 20-21.

Media are invited to visit and film the working system on Friday October 19, or during the open days (October 20-21).

The infrastructure is accessible at http://mobile.act.cmis.csiro.au [external link]