Wireless, Real Time, Self-Powered Sensors

A project that I worked on required that we instrument a large robotic arm (a backhoe). The sensors required wiring that ran the length of the arm. The wiring required protection due to harsh environments where backhoes work.

I think that a wireless sensor that could provide real time measurements for the arm controller would be and excellent project. I added the real time requirement because I am a control systems engineer and don't like old data. Adding a self-powering feature would steal some of the power required to move the arm to keep the sensors working.

Difficulty: High (for the whole project, it could possibly be divided)
Commercial Potential: High