The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is taking a significant step forward by participating in a new initiative worth $25.6 million, aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for improved monitoring of natural disasters. This project, known as Sage Grande, will deploy 300 advanced sensor systems across the United States to monitor environmental conditions and provide timely alerts for disasters, including wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
The funding allows researchers and students from UH to collaborate with a national team focused on developing the next generation of AI-driven “smart” sensors. These devices will be capable of processing data at the site of collection, eliminating delays associated with transmitting data to remote servers. Consequently, communities, scientists, and policymakers will receive faster updates regarding environmental changes, such as smoke from fires or unusual volcanic activity.
According to Professor Jason Leigh, who directs the Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Applications in UH Mānoa”s Department of Information and Computer Sciences, this project not only enhances disaster preparedness and environmental science but also provides students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge AI technologies. “We”re ensuring Hawaiʻi is at the forefront of innovation where it matters most,” he stated.
The UH Mānoa team plans to install two to three of these sensors throughout the Hawaiian islands next year, with specific locations yet to be determined. The group includes Leigh along with Chris Shuler, Han Tseng, Anke Kügler, and Tom Giambelluca from the UH Mānoa Water Resources Research Center.
Previously, UH has already utilized similar technology in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where a current-generation Sage sensor has enabled students to experiment with generative AI tools that analyze real-time data from the Kīlauea volcano. Their preliminary research highlighted how AI can assist in addressing critical questions, such as identifying whether a volcanic eruption is occurring.
In addition, a comparable sensor has been implemented in Lahaina, Maui, which connects to the internet via satellite. This system is designed to monitor air quality and assess fire risks in areas affected by the 2023 wildfires. Funded by a separate grant from the National Science Foundation, the Lahaina project also gathers climate and pollution data to support recovery efforts and inform future planning. Local students are involved in operating these instruments, gaining practical training in both environmental science and advanced AI methodologies.
Video footage associated with the project is available, showcasing the installation and functionality of these sensors, along with interviews featuring Professor Leigh discussing the implications of this groundbreaking work.
