“Return to the soil” circular sensor: A Decomposable Sensor for a Circular Future

The “Return to the Soil” circular sensor device, which won a Special Prize at the 2024 crQlr Awards, is a biodegradable IoT device that addresses the issue of electronic waste.

Made from plant-based materials such as cellulose nanofiber, the device naturally decomposes over time. It emits heat to indicate soil moisture levels, eliminating the need for wireless communication.

Developed by a research team at Osaka University, the project also envisions future applications as a “fertilizer with sensing capabilities,” with potential uses in agriculture, environmental conservation, and urban management.