| Keyword |
Description |
| Internet of Things |
A network of connected devices that share data automatically |
| Turbidity |
The cloudiness of water caused by tiny suspended particles |
| SigFox |
A low-power, long-range network for sending small data packets |
Mexico’s National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) is testing a prototype called TlalocBox, a sealed device that checks cistern water quality in real time to help keep people safe and protect the environment. Built by two telematics students at UPIITA and named after the Aztec rain god, it looks for signs of contamination from heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and agricultural runoff—problems that can harm health and ecosystems if they go unnoticed. Instead of waiting days for lab results, TlalocBox aims to deliver quick readings that communities and officials can act on.
The hardware is simple and rugged: a hermetic box that prevents leaks from damaging electronics, three sensors to measure temperature, pH (acidity/alkalinity), and turbidity (how cloudy the water is), and a portable rechargeable battery. At its core is an Arduino microcontroller that coordinates the sensors and keeps power demands low while maintaining steady data collection. By focusing on essentials and protecting the electronics from moisture, the design makes field use more reliable and maintenance easier.
Connectivity is the key. The device uses an Internet of Things approach, connecting over the low-power SigFox network to send small packets of data over long distances without draining the battery. Each time the sensors gather new information, the Arduino pushes it to a platform called ThingSpeak, where results are available on phones and PCs, updated about every 15 minutes for easy checks. That steady stream turns water monitoring from a one-off test into an ongoing snapshot of local conditions.
To keep decisions simple, the app shows a traffic light: green for acceptable quality, yellow for average, and red for high contamination. Because it can flag issues fast, TlalocBox could help schools, neighborhoods, and utilities react sooner than traditional sampling allows. The project also aligns with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s water policy goals, pointing toward scalable, real-time tools that support safer water across Mexico. If implemented widely, it could make monitoring more accessible in both cities and rural areas.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Rechargeable battery |
Batería recargable |
| Internet of Things |
Internet de las Cosas |
| Electronic |
Electrónico |
Time to discuss
- What problem is TlalocBox designed to solve?
- Why is real-time data useful for water safety?
- How could the traffic light app help your community?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Explain how TlalocBox uses IoT to deliver results and why that matters.
- What benefits and challenges might appear if TlalocBox is deployed nationwide?
