On large, multi-storey construction sites, one of the biggest productivity hurdles is locating materials. Workers often lose valuable time searching for tools and supplies scattered across different floors. This inefficiency not only delays progress but also increases project costs.

A new study, “IoT-Altimeter in Smart Pallets for Material Tracking on Multi-storey Construction Sites”, introduces a simple yet effective solution: equipping standard pallets with smart IoT devices that automatically track their location by floor level.

How the System Works

The upgraded pallets are embedded with barometric sensors, which function like digital altimeters. By measuring air pressure, they can detect the height of the pallet and determine which floor it is on. This data is then transmitted wirelessly via LoRaWAN, a low-energy communication protocol well-suited for construction environments.

The information can be accessed by site managers and workers, ensuring they always know where critical materials are located.

Prototype Demonstration

To test the idea, the researchers built a working prototype. Results showed that:

• The barometric sensors were accurate enough to distinguish between building floors separated by just 3–4 meters.
• LoRaWAN successfully transmitted data through walls and floors, proving reliable even in complex building structures.
  

This means the system can realistically operate in the noisy, obstructed environment of a construction site.

Practical and Cost-Effective Solution

Unlike other tracking methods that require expensive infrastructure or fragile labels, the smart pallet system is low-cost, robust, and easy to adopt. Each unit costs around €50 to build, with batteries lasting several months before recharging. Because the devices are integrated into the pallets themselves, they are naturally shielded from wear and tear.

Future Development Needs

The project is still in its early stages. Testing so far has been limited to controlled environments, not live construction sites. The next steps include:

• Synchronising sensor measurements across pallets.
• Ensuring performance in taller, more complex buildings.
• Improving battery life and recharging methods.
  

Despite these challenges, the research strongly supports the system’s potential for real-world use.

Transforming Construction Logistics

By reducing wasted time and improving coordination, smart pallets could significantly enhance construction site efficiency. In the future, the data from such systems may be integrated into digital twin models, offering real-time oversight and smoother project management.

About the Publication

The paper was published in Smart Construction (ISSN: 2960-2033), a peer-reviewed, open access journal covering research in intelligent construction, operation, and maintenance. The journal, now indexed in Scopus, offers free article submissions until 2026.

Summary of Key Points

• Researchers developed smart pallets with IoT altimeters to track building materials.
• System uses barometric sensors to detect floor levels and LoRaWAN for data transmission.
• Prototype tests showed accurate floor detection and reliable wireless performance.
• Cost-effective: about €50 per pallet, with batteries lasting for months.
• Next steps include field testing, energy optimisation, and signal improvements.
• Potential to reduce wasted time, cut costs, and support digital twin integration in construction projects.

Original Publication
Authors: Maximilian Gehring, Jens Wala and Uwe Rüppel.
Journal: Smart Construction
DOI: 10.55092/sc20250023
Method of Research: Experimental study
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: IoT-altimeter in smart pallets for material tracking on multi-storey construction sites
Article Publication Date: 4-Sep-2025

Original Source: https://www.elspub.com/papers/j/1937803706067210240.html

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