University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Joins $25M AI Project for Disaster Monitoring

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has announced its participation in a significant initiative aimed at improving the monitoring of natural disasters through artificial intelligence (AI). The project, named Sage Grande, is backed by a $25.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and aims to deploy 300 advanced sensor systems across the United States. These sensors will provide real-time data to enhance responses to events such as wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

The project marks a pivotal shift in how environmental data is collected and analyzed. Traditional methods often involve transmitting data to remote locations for analysis, which can delay critical information. In contrast, the new AI-powered sensors have the capability to process data on-site. This advancement allows scientists, policymakers, and communities to receive immediate updates on environmental changes, such as smoke from a fire or unusual volcanic activity.

Professor Jason Leigh, director of the Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Applications in UH Mānoa’s Department of Information and Computer Sciences, emphasized the project’s dual benefit. “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,” he stated.

The plan includes the deployment of two to three sensors in Hawaiʻi next year, with specific locations yet to be determined. The team at UH Mānoa comprises Leigh and fellow researchers including Chris Shuler, Han Tseng, Anke Kügler, and Tom Giambelluca from the Water Resources Research Center.

The university is already leveraging similar technology in its research. For example, a current-generation Sage sensor has been installed in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to analyze real-time data from Kīlauea. This initiative has demonstrated how AI can quickly address critical questions related to volcanic eruptions.

In addition, a sensor in Lahaina is being utilized to monitor air quality and fire risks in an area severely affected by the 2023 wildfires. This project, supported by a separate NSF grant, collects valuable climate and pollution data to assist in recovery efforts and inform future planning. Local students are actively involved in the project, gaining practical training in both environmental science and AI technology.

The Sage Grande project positions the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa at the forefront of innovation in disaster monitoring. With its commitment to integrating AI into environmental science, the university is enhancing its role in safeguarding communities against natural disasters while preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers.