In an effort to push the Java programming language into new applications, Sun Microsystems is preparing to launch a special version of the language designed to run on wireless sensors.

The Small Programable Object Technology (SPOT) technology was developed by the Sun Labs research organisation. A key part of the technology is the Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) software running on a virtual machine, which effectively allows the software to function as the device's operating system. It also lets developers craft new drivers in Java as they seek to add functions to a sensor.

The complexity of the software powering current generation sensors makes it hard for researchers to add functions, claimed Roger Mite, a senior research director with Sun Labs.

"Java, in terms of its flexibility and ease of programming is very accessible," said Mite.

"There are a lot of people who are Java programmers who aren’t embedded systems programmers. Anyone who is familiar with Java can set up, we can set them up with Sun SPOT and within one hour teach them how to program in spot and let them go off an build a robot or something. That isn't something that you would normally do with the types of tools that are available today."

A Sun SPOT development kit with two wireless sensors, a base station and the Javabeans development software is scheduled for availability in May at $499. The official unveiling is scheduled for later today at Sun's 2006 Worldwide Education & Research Conference.

The kit is targeted at researchers and hobbyists. Sun plans to take a laid back approach to see what applications can come up with.

Mite cited one example where researchers at Volkswagen created a prototype of a sensor network in which a vehicle performed a safety check of the home before the owner would drive off. Using the sensors, the system would check if any appliances such as the gas or an iron were turned on. It would then offer to remotely switch off the appliances.