Technical Details

Mesh network. Solar powered. Works when cell towers burn.

Detailed technical information about our autonomous wildfire detection infrastructure

Building From First Principles

We're developing modular sensor networks using proven components that will evolve into custom hardware. Currently testing ESP32-based prototypes with environmental sensors—the same development path taken by every successful infrastructure technology.

Active Development

Functional sensor prototypes measuring real environmental data

Mesh networking protocols in testing

Edge computing architecture design

Integration pathways for emergency systems

Next Phases

Custom PCB design and fabrication

Ruggedized enclosures for field deployment

Extended field testing with partners

Certification and compliance processes

Hardware Development Reality

This is how real hardware develops—from functional prototypes to custom silicon, iteratively and carefully.

Technology Snapshot

A deep dive into the Guardian stake's modular architecture and cutting-edge sensor fusion

Guardian stakes operate through a sophisticated three-tier intelligence architecture that combines edge computing, cloud-based algorithms, and AI-driven anomaly detection to deliver rapid, accurate wildfire risk assessment.

At the hardware level, each ESP32-powered stake samples multiple environmental sensors hourly, with simulated event detection for immediate threats. Raw sensor data from BME280 environmental sensors, soil moisture probes, and TSL2591 light detectors is filtered and normalized using top-down API calls that aggregate readings across the mesh network.

The processed data flows to our cloud-based analytics engine, where machine learning algorithms analyze multi-dimensional sensor patterns, environmental trends, and historical fire data. When anomalies are detected, the system automatically triggers calls to a specialized backend agent that performs qualitative risk assessment using contextual environmental data, weather patterns, and regional fire behavior models.

The result: A self-learning network that reduces false positives by 90% while delivering actionable intelligence within minutes, not hours.

ESP32 Microcontroller

Wi-Fi/Bluetooth enabled MCU with dual-core processing

BME280 Sensor

Precision temperature, humidity & pressure monitoring

18650 Li-Ion Battery

High-capacity rechargeable power cell

Solar Panels

Multiple mini panels for continuous power

Soil Moisture Probes

Multi-depth soil condition monitoring

ESP32-CAM + IR Sensor

Visual & thermal imaging surveillance system - our first line of defense

Sensor Array

  • 3x Soil Moisture: Multi-depth probes (30cm, 60cm, 90cm)
  • ESP32-Cam + IR Sensor: Visual & thermal imaging surveillance - first line of defense for heat mapping
  • DHT22/BME-280: Temperature & humidity monitoring
  • Air Quality: Smoke & particle detection
  • Additional Sensors: Rapidly evolving R&D - components subject to change

Power & Comms

  • 4x Solar Panels: Parallel wiring for reliability
  • 18650 Battery: Weeks of autonomous operation
  • Wi-Fi/BLE Mesh: Node-to-node communication
  • LoRa Ready: 15km line-of-sight range
  • Gateway Stakes: Cloud connectivity
  • Smart Reporting: Hourly updates, daily summaries

Modular Design

  • JST Connectors: Plug-and-play sensor swapping
  • 3D Printed Housing: Evolved from PVC pipe to sophisticated printed enclosures
  • Easy Deployment: Push-to-install design
  • Field Serviceable: Component-level replacement
  • Scalable Architecture: Mesh network expansion
  • Rapid Prototyping: R&D-driven design iteration
15 km
LoRa Mesh Range
1hr
Regular Updates
24/7
Solar Powered
R&D
Evolving Design

Development Roadmap

Building infrastructure right requires methodical development. Our multi-year roadmap follows industry-standard hardware progression:

1

Phase 1 (Current)

Prototype validation with modular components

In Progress

Testing functional prototypes built with industry-standard components (ESP32, BME280 sensors, LoRaWAN). Validating core detection algorithms and mesh networking protocols in controlled environments.

2

Phase 2 (6-12 months)

Custom PCB development and field testing

Next

Design and fabricate custom printed circuit boards optimized for our specific requirements. Extensive field testing in real wildfire-prone environments with partner organizations.

3

Phase 3 (Year 2)

Partnership deployments and certification processes

Planned

Deploy partnership installations with fire districts and utility partners. Navigate regulatory approval processes and obtain necessary certifications for critical infrastructure deployment.

4

Phase 4 (Year 3+)

Production scaling and deployment

Future

Scale manufacturing operations and begin wide-scale deployment across high-risk regions. Establish recurring revenue streams through monitoring services and system maintenance.

Hardware Development Reality

This timeline reflects the reality of building mission-critical systems.

Validated Approach

"The technology and technical methods envisioned are all within reach. The chronic disasters from Greece to California show a need for actionable data. Minutes matter."
RP

Ronald Petty

Chair, Internet Society SF Bay Area

Chair, SF Bay ACM

Technical Feasibility

All proposed technologies are proven and within current engineering capabilities

Market Need

Urgent demand for actionable wildfire data validated by recent disaster patterns

Time Criticality

Industry recognition that minutes matter in wildfire detection and response

How It Works

1. Detect

Guardian stakes monitor environmental conditions continuously, detecting temperature spikes, smoke, and other fire indicators using advanced sensors.

2. Alert

The moment fire conditions are detected, alerts propagate through the mesh network to emergency responders, providing precise location and severity data.

3. Respond

Emergency teams receive real-time data to deploy resources effectively, evacuate threatened areas, and contain fires before they spread beyond control.

Why This Matters Now

The 2025 Los Angeles fires revealed the devastating cost of inadequate early detection systems

Technical Partnership Opportunities

Interested in collaborating on infrastructure development or partnership opportunities?