University of Hawaiʻi Leads $25M AI Project to Monitor Natural Disasters

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is taking a significant step in disaster preparedness by participating in a new initiative valued at $25.6 million funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This project, named Sage Grande, aims to deploy 300 advanced sensor systems nationwide, enhancing the capability to monitor environmental conditions and provide timely warnings for natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

This initiative allows researchers and students at UH Mānoa to collaborate with a nationwide team focused on developing the next generation of AI-powered sensors. These devices will possess the ability to analyze data on-site, eliminating the delays associated with sending data to remote servers. This real-time analysis means quicker updates for communities, scientists, and policymakers regarding critical conditions such as smoke from fires, changing weather patterns, and unusual volcanic activity.

Advancing Research and Education

According to Jason Leigh, director of the Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Applications in UH Mānoa’s Department of Information and Computer Sciences, this project is not only an advancement in disaster preparedness but also offers students invaluable hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI technology. He stated, “By joining Sage Grande, UH is not only advancing disaster preparedness and environmental science, but also giving our students hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI.”

Plans are underway to deploy two to three sensors across the Hawaiian Islands next year, with specific locations to be determined. The team at UH Mānoa includes experts such as Chris Shuler, Han Tseng, Anke Kügler, and Tom Giambelluca from the Water Resources Research Center.

Building on Existing Technology

The University of Hawaiʻi already has experience with this technology. For instance, at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a current-generation Sage sensor has been utilized to test generative AI tools that analyze real-time data from Kīlauea. This early work demonstrated how AI can assist in answering fundamental questions about volcanic activity, such as determining whether an eruption is imminent.

Additionally, a similar sensor has been installed in Lahaina, Maui, connecting to the internet via satellite. This system is specifically programmed to monitor air quality and fire risks in an area severely impacted by the 2023 wildfires. Funded by a separate NSF grant, the Lahaina project collects vital data on climate and pollution, aiding recovery efforts and informing future planning strategies. Local students are actively engaged with these instruments, gaining training in both environmental science and advanced AI applications.

In summary, the Sage Grande initiative exemplifies the synergistic relationship between education, technology, and disaster preparedness, positioning the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa as a leader in these critical efforts.