The Soil CRC announced Sentek Sensor Technologies as the commercialisation partner for its BILBY wireless communications node. Developed with University of Tasmania researchers, the device connects soil probes to an above-ground receiver while allowing the transmitting unit to be buried.
The approach is intended to remove exposed field wiring and solar hardware that can be damaged by machinery, animals or pests. Soil CRC reports testing under grazing pasture and at two irrigated vegetable sites, with installation-depth and gateway trials informing design changes.
At the May announcement, Sentek anticipated a launch in the second half of 2026. The release reports transmission distances of up to one kilometre and a five-year battery life. These are programme specifications; actual link performance and service life depend on installation and operating conditions.
