The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is set to play a pivotal role in the new $25.6 million project called Sage Grande, organized by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This initiative aims to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance the monitoring of natural disasters, including wildfires and volcanic eruptions, across the United States.
The project will deploy 300 advanced sensor systems nationwide, providing timely warnings and critical data to communities at risk. By incorporating AI directly into the sensors, information can be analyzed on-site, eliminating delays associated with data transmission to distant servers. This advancement allows for quicker responses to environmental changes, such as smoke from fires or unusual weather patterns.
Hands-On Experience for Students and Researchers
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to not only advancing disaster preparedness and environmental science but also equipping students with practical experience in cutting-edge technology. Professor Jason Leigh, director of the Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Applications at the university, emphasized the importance of this initiative for both education and community safety. “By joining Sage Grande, we’re ensuring Hawaiʻi is at the forefront of innovation where it matters most,” said Leigh.
Plans include the installation of two to three sensors across the Hawaiian islands in 2024, with the exact locations yet to be determined. The research team at UH Mānoa consists of Leigh and colleagues Chris Shuler, Han Tseng, Anke Kügler, and Tom Giambelluca from the Water Resources Research Center.
Building on Existing Initiatives
The University of Hawaiʻi has already gained valuable experience with similar technologies. At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, current-generation Sage sensors have been utilized by students to analyze real-time data from the Kīlauea volcano. This early work demonstrated how AI can assist in answering critical questions regarding volcanic activity.
Additionally, on Maui, a comparable sensor has been installed in Lahaina, where it connects to the internet via satellite. This system is monitoring air quality and fire risks in an area severely affected by the 2023 wildfires. Supported by a separate NSF grant, the Lahaina project also gathers climate and pollution data, which aids recovery efforts and informs future planning. Local students are actively involved in handling these instruments, gaining hands-on training in environmental science and advanced AI technologies.
Leigh noted the efficiency of the new technology, stating, “Previously, we had to transmit that data to a faraway point, analyze it, and figure out, oh, is there a fire? Now the AI on the sensor itself can say there’s a fire and tell people immediately.” He further expressed hope that an extensive network of smoke sensors could offer residents peace of mind, ensuring that environmental monitoring is proactive rather than reactive.
The Sage Grande project represents a significant step forward in harnessing AI for environmental monitoring, putting the University of Hawaiʻi at the forefront of this innovative approach. As the initiative progresses, it aims not only to protect communities but also to empower the next generation of scientists and researchers through direct engagement with transformative technology.
