The process used to manufacture medicines, powdered milk and other products, which requires hammering on The flow aid is placed inside a bin and controlled with Bluetooth. Source: Purdue Universitythe sides of large bins to unstick powdery mixtures, is getting an upgrade. Purdue University researchers developed technology to reduce the need for hammering and to improve powder flow.

A Bluetooth-controlled device placed inside the processing bin directly transfers vibration energy to the powder and monitors temperature, humidity and pressure to gauge product quality. Vibration intensity and location can be controlled to provide a consistent powder product.

The system, which is simpler and less expensive to deploy than flow aids deployed outside of the bins, should also find use in the agricultural and grain industries.