Case Study
Dust Management System
Connecting Workplace Sensors with Real-Time Mobile Monitoring Dust Management System combines an embedded device with a mobile application to monitor workplace dust and gas readings. The device automatically activates an exhaust system when elevated dust is detected, while the app gives users access to live readings and danger notifications. Administrators can control device behavior, review sensor logs, and manage requests for administrator access through the same application. Platform: Android Tech Stack: React Native · Firebase My Role: Mobile Application Development and Real-Time Integration
The Problem
Industrial facilities, including woodworking workplaces, generate dust as part of their daily operations. The type of work being performed can cause dust to accumulate around the workspace. The project addressed the need to detect these conditions, activate an exhaust system automatically, and make current sensor readings available to users. Administrators also needed a way to control device behavior and review sensor activity from a mobile application.
The Solution
We connected a dust-detection device and exhaust system with a mobile application. The device monitors the workplace and automatically triggers the exhaust to help remove dust when elevated levels are detected. Firebase supports real-time communication between the embedded system and the app. The application provides different features based on the user's role. Users — Monitor • View live dust and gas readings on the dashboard • Receive notifications when readings reach a dangerous level • View and update their own profile information Administrators — Manage • Control device behavior in real time • Review logs from each sensor • Approve requests for administrator accounts • View and update their own profile information Role-based authentication separates monitoring features from administrative controls.
My Contribution
I developed the React Native mobile application, including the monitoring dashboard, danger notifications, administrator controls, sensor logs, administrator account requests, and profile management. I also integrated real-time communication between the mobile application and the embedded system through Firebase. This allowed sensor readings to appear in the app as they changed and enabled administrators to send control commands to the devices. My work focused on connecting the device's data and controls with the features users and administrators needed in the mobile application.
Key Challenges
Danger Notifications Setting up danger notifications for each user was a key challenge. The application needed to connect changes in sensor readings with alerts that users could understand and act on. Real-Time Device Integration Connecting the sensors and embedded system with the mobile app required coordination across both platforms. Sensor updates had to reach the dashboard, while administrator commands had to reach the devices. User Guidance Teaching users and project owners how to use the system was another important part of the project. I had to explain the readings, notifications, and device controls clearly so they could understand how the application worked.
Results
The completed mobile application connected workplace monitoring and device management in one interface. Users could view live sensor readings and receive danger notifications, while administrators could control devices, review sensor logs, and approve administrator account requests. The integration enabled real-time data exchange between the embedded system and the mobile app, supporting both monitoring and remote control alongside the device's automatic exhaust response.
What I Learned
This project strengthened my understanding of Firebase real-time integration across a mobile application and an embedded system. I learned how to connect live sensor data with a mobile dashboard and send device commands through the same shared system. It also developed my mobile development skills, particularly in building features for different user roles and connecting monitoring, notifications, and administrative controls within one application. Communication and collaboration were equally important. Working across the mobile and embedded platforms required a shared understanding of how data and commands moved through the system. Teaching users and project owners also helped me practice explaining technical features in clear, practical terms.