Evaluation of IoT Systems’ Requirements for Tracking Applications (Things d’Art)

The challenges that underpin the identification, tracking and monitoring of Modern and Contemporary Art pieces are manifold. The increasing complexity of art works being produced and the range of materials used means that existing systems are unable to support their care and management; a growing sector concern. Recent government regulations require that some objects covered under indemnity must be fitted with a tracking device when being transported. At the moment no system can provide real-time information about objects in transit to adequately manage this risk.

Things d’Art is a mini-scoping study of the issues and user requirements to establish an initial design of an appropriate systems architecture that will fulfil the demands of Tate. The aim is to provide a solution that pertains to applications beyond Art (such as general object tracking). In doing so we are in a better position to place a bid to host a future PETRAS demonstrator and from this a much larger proposal application to a combination of EPSRC / AHRC / RCUK to take the demonstrator concept to something much closer to delivery.