Updated: Jan 11
Today marks the completion of final testing for one of our latest in-house IoT developments - a fully integrated marine monitoring system designed for real-world environmental deployment.
This device brings together multiple water-quality sensors, an underwater camera, and onboard lighting into a single, robust platform suitable for long-term use in marine and freshwater environments.
What the System Measures
The system is capable of simultaneously capturing both quantitative sensor data and visual context, providing a much more complete understanding of underwater conditions.
The current configuration includes:
- Chlorophyll-a measurement
- Phycocyanin measurement (Cyanobacteria)
- Turbidity
- Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
- Water temperature
- Underwater camera footage, supported by integrated LED lighting
This combination allows users to correlate sensor readings directly with visual observations - for example, algal blooms, sediment disturbance, or biofouling.
Designed for Marine Environments
The system has been purpose-built for harsh marine conditions. This includes:
- Waterproof and pressure-resistant housing
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Stable mounting and cable management
- Low-power electronics suitable for extended deployments
Final testing focused on system reliability, sensor performance, data integrity, and camera operation under realistic conditions.
End-to-End Development Capability
As shown in the setup, this project was delivered entirely in-house.
MAKI handled:
- Mechanical and enclosure design
- Electronics design and integration
- Sensor interfacing and power management
- Firmware and software development
- Data handling and system validation
Having full control over hardware, electronics, and software allows rapid iteration, tighter integration, and solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of each project - rather than relying on off-the-shelf compromises.
Built for Customisation and Deployment
This platform is modular by design. Sensors, cameras, communications, and power systems can be adapted depending on deployment requirements, whether for:
- Environmental monitoring
- Scientific research
- Compliance and consent monitoring
- Infrastructure inspection
- Long-term autonomous deployments
Moving Forward
With final testing completed, this system is now ready for field deployment and project-specific customisation. It represents another step forward in MAKI's focus on delivering practical, reliable, and locally engineered monitoring solutions for New Zealand's water environments.