The Hanwell DustBug has been designed to measure the accumulation of dust so that users can optimise the intervals between cleaning and reduce associated damage. Analysis of the data can give an understanding of the nature of dust and its distribution.The DustBug is designed to lie face up on a flat surface. Like other objects in its location, the glass surface on top of the box will naturally gather dust. The integrated camera measures the percentage area of glass covered by dust and presents the data on the display screen. Measurements are normally updated every 24 hours while ambient light is close to zero.

The DustBug allows users to monitor the rate of dust coverage and determine when cleaning will be necessary. At the press of a button, remaining battery life can also be checked. Careful power management gives a battery life of up to 2 years with 2 x 1.5V AA Alkaline batteries.

It is also an option to directly view the video output from the camera for subsequent image analysis.This product has been developed in collaboration with the University of East Anglia, The National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Royal Palaces.