IIIT-H scientists develop UPS monitoring device

Researchers from IIIT-Hyderabad have developed a low-cost UPS monitoring device, as a response to frustration by a campus IT staffer, Prakash Nayak, who was struggling with frequent equipment failures without clear explanations. One of the scientists who developed the device, Sachin Chaudhari says, "It is important to note that IT staff Mr Prakash is part of the research paper we have published. He is also part of the patent we have recently filed on this. This highlights the value of treating campus operations teams as co-creators of research problems rather than mere end users – a mindset that leads to more relevant and impactful outcomes.” 

A paper describing the device, titled  ‘Low-cost IoT-based Downtime Detection for UPS and Behaviour Analysis’ won the Best Paper award at 18th International Conference on COMmunication System and NETworkS (COMSNETS-2026) Workshop on AI of Things in Bengaluru. The researchers developed a non-intrusive current-monitoring system that clamps onto the input and output lines of the UPS instead of tapping into the internals. The system is capable of tracking the flow of current before, during and after power outages. The devices are also powered by batteries, and can continue to operate even when the electricity is cut and without internet connectivity. 

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Conventional devices for UPS monitoring are expensive, and can cost about Rs 20,000. These are also specific to manufacturers, and tap into the internals, depend on connectivity, and cannot record data when the UPS loses power. The device is developed using off-the-shelf components, and costs less than Rs 2,000. It also works with any and all UPS devices. The new monitoring system identified a UPS that was supporting loads briefly, but was failing to recharge the batteries, something that the IT team had suspected but could not prove. The device offers a counterexample to criticism that academic research is often disconnected from reality.