Blues Amplifiers are community experts who provide guidance, create engaging resources, and lead by example in the Wireless IoT. "Behind the Amplifier" is a blog series where we highlight each of our awesome contributors, showcasing what they are working on, and sharing their thoughts on the IoT.
Today, we are excited to introduce you to Prasannaa Kumar. Let's hear from Prasannaa about what motivates his interest in Blues and the IoT.
The Interview
Getting to Know Prasannaa
Rob: Hi Prasannaa, let's hear a quick introduction in your own words!
Prasannaa: I am currently working at IIT Delhi as a Project Scientist. I am a researcher, maker and tinkerer. Science has fascinated me since my childhood, especially electronics. As a proactive and passionate individual, I identify myself as a Maker, dedicated to mastering my expertise in various cutting-edge technologies like embedded systems, sensors and wireless systems. I thrive on challenges and possess an innate curiosity, always tinkering with ideas until they hum! To me, innovation is inspired by nature itself, and I integrate research and development seamlessly into my everyday activities. Embracing the interdisciplinary nature of science, I firmly believe that it defies conventional categorization. My core interests encompass a broad spectrum, including R&D, embedded systems encompassing both hardware and software, the Internet of Things, optoelectronics, and a strong commitment to sustainable practices.
Rob: What motivated you to become involved with Blues in the IoT community?
Prasannaa: I have been building things in the IoT space for the past 5 years. When it comes to connectivity for cellular, there have been a lot of constraints. But Blues has made Cellular low power, secure, and most importantly affordable! Not only that, but the entire user experience is incredible. All their products are user-friendly and easy to integrate. This made me want to be a part of the Blues community.
Contributions as a Blues Amplifier
Rob: Can you share more about your role as a Blues Amplifier and your contributions to the growth of IoT communities?
Prasannaa: As a Blues Amplifier, my role is supporting the Blues community. I do this by creating projects on Hackster and writing blogs. As a researcher, I make things to solve problems. I feel that by supporting the community, more can be done.
Notable Achievements
Rob: What are some notable achievements or projects you've been involved in within the IoT space?
Prasannaa: A solar-powered FM radio was the first project that I made during my Eighth grade in 2011. That was the turning point in my life. Since then I have been working on different projects. My current role in IIT is based on air quality monitoring. Our team has been working on multiple projects related to air quality monitoring. Designing a low-cost monitor for particulate matter is one of the notable achievements for me. Below is the image of the particulate matter monitor from one of our installations inside the deep forest:
Prasannaa: More recently, I built an Indoor IoT Infection Risk Monitor based on Blues. It is a travel-friendly device to monitor your exposure to CO2 in enclosed spaces to avoid infection risks:
Rob: Have you received any awards or recognition for your contributions?
Prasannaa: Yeah, I have received quite a few awards for my work. Recently I was awarded second place for presenting our work at the Young Scientists Conference at India International Science Festival, 2022. I have won a few Hackster awards as well.
Passion and Advice
Rob: What drives your passion for IoT technology?
Prasannaa: The boundless potential of IoT technology fuels my enthusiasm, inspiring me to craft intelligent and interconnected solutions capable of tackling real-world challenges. In the realm of IoT, I seamlessly integrate my expertise in electronics, programming, data analysis, and design. My delight lies in experimenting with diverse hardware platforms, sensors, and communication protocols to breathe life into inventive projects. Additionally, I find joy in both learning from fellow IoT enthusiasts and sharing my knowledge on online platforms such as Hackster.io.
Rob: What advice do you have for individuals who want to become active proponents of Blues or IoT technologies?
Prasannaa: Begin by establishing a solid understanding of IoT technology, covering essential aspects such as hardware components, communication protocols, cloud services, etc. Delve into Blues products like the Notecard, Notehub, and Notecarrier. The Blues website provides extensive documentation, tutorials, guides, and examples to facilitate exploration. Undertake personal IoT projects utilizing Blues products and diverse hardware platforms to demonstrate your skills and creativity. Actively engage in various online IoT communities and platforms such as Hackster.io, GitHub and more. This involvement allows you to connect with like-minded enthusiasts and share your projects.
Conclusion
Rob: Thank you to much Prasannaa for sharing this with us! We look forward to seeing your continued contributions to the Blues community. 💙
