Project description
Groundbreaking techniques combining ground and sky to scale battery-free IoT
In the future, IoT devices will no longer rely on batteries; instead they will draw energy from their surroundings such as from sunlight or vibrations. Ambient IoT offers this promise but faces challenges such as unpredictable energy availability and restricted communication range. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the LUNA project will combine ambient IoT with non-terrestrial networks including satellites and drones to create a globally connected, battery-free ecosystem. The proposed approach will enable reliable connectivity and precise tracking even in remote or underserved regions. By addressing key challenges such as the lack of a standardisation framework and energy unpredictability, LUNA will pave the way for a scalable, maintenance-free IoT infrastructure that integrates seamlessly into the next generation of global networks.
Objective
The Internet of Things (IoT) is experiencing unprecedented growth, with connected devices expected to rise from 13.2 billion in 2022 to over 34.7 billion by 2028. Yet, this expansion is constrained by a heavy reliance on batteries, which limits scalability and generates significant environmental concerns. Ambient IoT (A-IoT) offers a breakthrough alternative: devices that operate without batteries by harvesting energy from their surroundings, such as light, vibration, or radiofrequency signals. While this paradigm promises sustainable, large-scale deployments, it faces major barriers, including limited and unpredictable energy availability and restricted communication range.
LUNA (Low-power Ubiquitous NTN for Ambient IoT) addresses these challenges by pioneering the integration of A-IoT with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). By combining the self-powered operation of A-IoT devices with the global coverage of satellites, High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), LUNA envisions a new generation of batteryless, globally connected devices and applications seamlessly embedded in the 6G IMT-2030 ecosystem. This integration enables connectivity and services in remote and underserved areas, where self-sustainable, maintenance-free devices are especially valuable.
The project tackles three core challenges: (i) the absence of a standardized framework to connect A-IoT devices to both terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructures, (ii) unpredictable duty cycles and lack of precise timekeeping in A-IoT, which complicate coordination with fast-moving non-terrestrial platforms, and (iii) the need for accurate localization to schedule communications with passing satellites and support various tracking applications. By addressing these issues, LUNA aims to deliver large-scale connectivity, precise localization, and ultra-low-power device design—transforming IoT into a sustainable, truly global infrastructure.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications radio technology radio frequency
- natural sciences computer and information sciences internet internet of things
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
2000 Antwerpen
Belgium
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.