University of Hawaiʻi Joins $25.6M AI Project to Enhance Disaster Monitoring

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has announced its participation in a significant new initiative, receiving $25.6 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems for environmental monitoring. This initiative, named Sage Grande, aims to deploy 300 smart sensor systems across the United States to provide timely warnings for natural disasters, including wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

Under this initiative, researchers and students at UH Mānoa will collaborate with a nationwide team to create the next generation of AI-powered sensors. These devices will analyze environmental data on-site, enabling quicker responses to changing conditions without relying on remote servers. This capability is crucial for communities, scientists, and policymakers needing real-time updates on threats such as smoke from wildfires or unusual volcanic activity.

Hands-On Experience for Students

Jason Leigh, director of the Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Applications in UH Mānoa’s Department of Information and Computer Sciences, emphasized the dual benefits of this project. “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 project ensures that Hawaiʻi remains at the forefront of technological innovation that directly impacts local communities.

Plans are in place to install two to three of these advanced sensors across the Hawaiian islands next year, with specific locations yet to be determined. The team at UH Mānoa, which includes Leigh and fellow researchers Chris Shuler, Han Tseng, Anke Kügler, and Tom Giambelluca from the Water Resources Research Center, is eager to begin this next phase of research and development.

Building on Previous Success

The university has prior experience in utilizing this technology. In Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a current-generation Sage sensor has already been employed by students to test AI tools that process real-time data from the Kīlauea volcano. This initial work demonstrated the potential of AI in answering critical questions, such as whether an eruption is occurring.

Additionally, a similar sensor has been set up in Lahaina, which connects to the internet via satellite. This system tracks air quality and fire risks in an area heavily impacted by the devastating wildfires of 2023. Funded by a separate NSF grant, the Lahaina project is not only monitoring environmental conditions but also gathering essential climate and pollution data to aid in recovery efforts and inform future planning.

Local students participate actively in these projects, gaining invaluable training in both environmental science and advanced AI technologies. Through this initiative, they are learning to operate sophisticated monitoring instruments that may play a crucial role in enhancing disaster preparedness in their communities.

As UH Mānoa moves forward with Sage Grande, the university aims to strengthen its commitment to environmental research and disaster response, ensuring that both students and the broader community benefit from these technological advancements.