Sensing for Disasters Solutions
A Novel Real-Time and Accurate Wireless Rain Gauge
This research and development (R&D) project develops a novel wireless rain gauge that leverages existing Integrated Sensing and Communications Technology pioneered by the University of Technology Sydney over the last 9 years.
The wireless rain gauge will provide real-time and accurate rainfall sensing data, which is crucial for enhancing flood prediction accuracy and speed.
Market gaps
Due to climate change, floods and flash floods are a continuing and increasing threat to society. This problem is not just limited to NSW or even Australia; it’s a global issue.
In NSW, we are lacking the right technology to provide real-time, accurate rainfall data. Heavy rainfall within short periods of time strongly influences the risk of a flash flood, which can arrive with little to no warning.
Progress
Existing rain gauges, such as tipping buckets, are hindered by complex installation, maintenance, and wind vulnerability
The solution
This innovative rain gauge will utilise existing wireless communication signals from ubiquitous mobile (cellular) networks. The gauge passively captures wireless signals, utilising rainfall’s imprints on them for estimating and predicting rainfall intensity.
By leveraging the pioneering ISAC work undertaken by UTS for rainfall and water level sensing, proven through a world-first field demonstration in June 2025, this project builds on a decade of groundbreaking technical expertise and the validation of this technology through the Smart Flood and Storm Intelligence field trials with the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES).
Gen 1 prototype of the A Novel Real-Time and Accurate Wireless Rain Gauge
- Novel sensor device architecture: a first-of-its-kind wireless rain gauge that utilises radio signals for real-time rainfall sensing
- Designed to address key limitations of current rain gauges, particularly those related to installation, maintenance and wind vulnerability.
Benefiting from the ubiquity of mobile signals across space and time, the proposed rain gauge can significantly enhance the agility, accuracy and real-time capability of rainfall sensing.
The non-intrusive and wireless approach renders the proposed rainfall gauge highly deployable and more resilient than existing sensors. It will substantially enhance flood prediction models, bolstering the resilience of Australian and global communities against floods and flash floods.
This novel rain gauge has the potential to enhance data intelligence and decision-making for:
Australian Bureau of Meteorology, by improving the accuracy and timeliness of rainfall data for forecasting and issuing warnings.
- State Emergency Services, by supporting faster flood response and situational awareness during extreme weather.
- Local councils and water authorities, through better flood risk modelling and infrastructure planning.
- Research institutions, by providing real-time datasets for climate and hydrology studies.
Project lead:
Dr Kai Wu – University of Technology Sydney
Funding:
$149,000
Type of project:
Research and Development
Project duration:
12 months
Project status:
In progress
Final presentation:
December 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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