University of Hawaiʻi Joins $25.6M AI Project for Disaster Monitoring

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is set to play a pivotal role in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness through artificial intelligence (AI). The project, known as Sage Grande, has received $25.6 million in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). It will deploy 300 advanced sensor systems across the United States, enabling real-time monitoring of natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

This initiative will allow researchers and students at UH Mānoa to collaborate on developing next-generation AI-powered “smart” sensors. These devices are designed to process information on-site, eliminating the delay associated with transmitting data to remote servers. Consequently, communities, scientists, and policymakers will benefit from faster updates on critical environmental conditions, including smoke from fires, shifting weather patterns, and unusual volcanic activity.

Enhancing Disaster Preparedness

Professor Jason Leigh, director of the Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Applications in the Department of Information and Computer Sciences at UH Mānoa, emphasized the significance of this project. “By joining Sage Grande, UH is not only advancing disaster preparedness and environmental science but also providing our students with hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI,” he stated. This initiative positions Hawaiʻi at the forefront of innovation in a field that directly impacts community safety.

Next year, the UH Mānoa team plans to install two to three sensors across the Hawaiian Islands at yet-to-be-determined locations. The team includes Leigh, along with colleagues Chris Shuler, Han Tseng, Anke Kügler, and Tom Giambelluca from the UH Mānoa Water Resources Research Center.

Building on Existing Experience

The university’s involvement in this project builds upon its prior engagement with similar technology. For instance, in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a current-generation Sage sensor has been utilized by students to experiment with generative AI tools. This sensor has successfully analyzed real-time data from the Kīlauea volcano, providing vital insights into potential eruptions.

Additionally, a comparable sensor has been installed in Lahaina on the island of Maui, which connects to the internet via satellite. This system is programmed to monitor air quality and assess fire risks in an area severely affected by the devastating wildfires of 2023. Funded by a separate NSF grant, this Lahaina project not only collects critical climate and pollution data but also supports recovery efforts and future planning initiatives.

Local students are actively engaged in the operation of these instruments, gaining practical training in both environmental science and advanced AI technologies. As Professor Leigh noted, this initiative empowers scientists to bridge the gap between research and community service, ensuring that valuable technological advancements contribute to societal needs.

This collaboration among various institutions and researchers underscores the potential of AI in improving disaster readiness and environmental monitoring, marking a significant step forward in addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters across the globe.