Ulster University and ASSA ABLOY Limited KTP 24_25 R3

Fire doors are currently checked by hand, often inconsistently and rarely. This project replaces that manual inspection with a network of sensors that continuously monitor whether a fire door is closed, undamaged, and properly seated, sending real-time alerts when something is wrong. The problem is straightforward: a fire door that is propped open, warped, or missing its seals can fail in a fire, allowing smoke and flames to spread through a building. Current inspection regimes—typically quarterly or annual walkarounds—miss problems that develop between checks. This system uses Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to track door position, latch engagement, and seal integrity, and feeds that data into a predictive maintenance platform that flags doors needing attention before they fail. If the system works as intended, it could transform fire safety management in commercial offices, hospitals, student accommodation, and apartment blocks. Building managers would receive automated compliance reports, insurers could verify safety in real time, and the cost of manual inspections would drop significantly. The technology is not fundamental science—it is an applied engineering integration of existing sensors, wireless communication, and data analytics into a product that can be manufactured and installed. The immediate impact is practical: fewer failed fire doors, lower inspection costs, and a measurable reduction in fire risk across the built environment.