‘Cutting edge’ artificial intelligence to aid bushfire detection in NSW

Arriving in Sydney from Silicon Valley, a “cutting-edge” new AI network could soon be helping NSW firefighters battle bushfires. Here’s how it works.

Pano AI is a San Francisco-based disaster preparedness technology provider.

A “cutting-edge” new tool used to battle bush fires could soon be rolled out across NSW which will enable local firefighting authorities to be rapidly alerted to blazes using artificial intelligence.

Hailing from the international technology hub of San Francisco, Pano AI will launch their new technology in Sydney on Thursday, which includes the use of satellites thousands of kilometres away which look over great swathes of countryside.

The network of cameras and satellite feeds are then analysed by artificial intelligence, which has the ability to pick up fires.

When a fire threat is detected, it is confirmed before alerts and real-time intelligence including the location and size of a fire are sent to the relevant authorities.

A spokesman from the company confirmed it had already attracted attention from multiple Aussie agencies keen on exploring its use.

Feeds from Pano AI’s network of cameras and satellites are analysed by artificial intelligence.

It’s understood the Rural Fire Service has embraced similar technology as far back as 2008.

While Pano AI launches in Sydney this week, its technology has already been embraced interstate, including at Noosa Council on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

Pano AI’s chief commercial officer and co-founder Arvind Satyam.

Local Mayor Clare Stewart said the technology was being used to help them avoid a repeat of the 2019 bushfires which devastated the shire.

“This is cutting-edge technology that helps safeguard our community,” she said.

“Rapid confirmation of a fire may help our emergency personnel identify and extinguish a blaze before it becomes a threat. This council is driving big changes to traditional fire detection measures to do what we can to avoid a repeat of the 2019 bushfires.”

Pano AI’s chief commercial officer and co-founder Arvind Satyam said the technology could be used to help cut-off Australia’s terrible bushfires at the source.

“We know that Australia is one of the most bushfire prone countries in the world and our vision was to bring the technology here where it can have the greatest impact in reducing the threat and devastation of fire,” Mr Satyam said.