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Detection system utilises AI to protect swimmers from sharks

A world-first shark detection system developed by Australia’s University of Technology Sydney is being used by an industry partner to identify sharks, raise alarms and provide greater protection for swimmers and surfers.

About the initiative

According to a recent press release, SharkSpotter uses image processing techniques, state-of-the-art sensors and software, and applies deep learning neural networks for object detection and classification.

The automated system for detection and identification of sharks, in particular, and marine life and objects more generally, was developed using cutting-edge deep neural networks and image processing techniques.

The system efficiently distinguishes and identifies sharks from other targets by processing dynamic video feeds as well as static images.

State-of-the-art deep learning algorithms and image processing techniques examine live video feeds in real-time to detect the presence of sharks and their potential threat to water users.

This delivers 90% accuracy in detecting sharks and distinguishing between them and other marine life such as dolphins, rays and whales.

It is also capable of distinguishing surfers, swimmers, boats, human beings and other objects.

The system will give an overhead warning to swimmers and surfers when a shark or a potential risk is detected, using an onboard megaphone attached to the drones.

How it works

In 2016, there were 26 recorded shark attacks in Australia, including two fatalities. This led to much public discussion about ways to improve safety for water recreation while preserving marine ecosystems.

At present, the Australian drone company Westpac Little Ripper is using artificial intelligence (AI) developed by the University to improve detection and identification of sharks.

The drones are battery powered ‘unmanned helicopters’ with autopilot capabilities. But more than that, the drones are loaded with the University’s software system for aerial surveillance.

The system does real-time footage and information can be relayed immediately to emergency services, beach lifeguards, and water users for appropriate decision-making.

This cutting-edge AI system developed by the University will create a positive impact on the public, making beach recreation much safer.

It will help make beach recreation much safer and is a major milestone in addressing shark attacks with very real ability to save a life.

SMART Drumlines

Meanwhile, a trial of up to 10 SMART drumlines was introduced in Newcastle, NSW in 2019, which added an extra layer of protection for beach-goers as well as minimise harm to sharks and other marine life.

OpenGov Asia reported that the trial for the Shark Management Alert in Real Time (SMART) drumlines happened from 1 February to 30 April 2019.

The drumlines were introduced across Stockton, Nobbys, Newcastle, Bar, Dixon Park and Merewether beaches near existing shark nets.

They were set 500 metres offshore every morning, as long as the weather permits it, and collected at the end of each day.

They consisted of two buoys and a satellite-linked communications unit, which was attached to a hook baited with a single mullet.

The North Coast and other parts of NSW have shown that SMART drumlines are a highly effective measure at intercepting sharks with minimal impact on the marine environment.

Moreover, SMART drumlines are a valuable research tool.

Sharks caught on them can be tagged and released alive, allowing the Department of Primary Industries to collect data about the population of sharks that use NSW coastal environments.

The data collected includes the sharks’ seasonal pattern of movements along the NSW coast.

PARTNER

Qlik’s vision is a data-literate world, where everyone can use data and analytics to improve decision-making and solve their most challenging problems. A private company, Qlik offers real-time data integration and analytics solutions, powered by Qlik Cloud, to close the gaps between data, insights and action. By transforming data into Active Intelligence, businesses can drive better decisions, improve revenue and profitability, and optimize customer relationships. Qlik serves more than 38,000 active customers in over 100 countries.

PARTNER

CTC Global Singapore, a premier end-to-end IT solutions provider, is a fully owned subsidiary of ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC) and ITOCHU Corporation.

Since 1972, CTC has established itself as one of the country’s top IT solutions providers. With 50 years of experience, headed by an experienced management team and staffed by over 200 qualified IT professionals, we support organizations with integrated IT solutions expertise in Autonomous IT, Cyber Security, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure, Workplace Modernization and Professional Services.

Well-known for our strengths in system integration and consultation, CTC Global proves to be the preferred IT outsourcing destination for organizations all over Singapore today.

PARTNER

Planview has one mission: to build the future of connected work. Our solutions enable organizations to connect the business from ideas to impact, empowering companies to accelerate the achievement of what matters most. Planview’s full spectrum of Portfolio Management and Work Management solutions creates an organizational focus on the strategic outcomes that matter and empowers teams to deliver their best work, no matter how they work. The comprehensive Planview platform and enterprise success model enables customers to deliver innovative, competitive products, services, and customer experiences. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with locations around the world, Planview has more than 1,300 employees supporting 4,500 customers and 2.6 million users worldwide. For more information, visit www.planview.com.

SUPPORTING ORGANISATION

SIRIM is a premier industrial research and technology organisation in Malaysia, wholly-owned by the Minister​ of Finance Incorporated. With over forty years of experience and expertise, SIRIM is mandated as the machinery for research and technology development, and the national champion of quality. SIRIM has always played a major role in the development of the country’s private sector. By tapping into our expertise and knowledge base, we focus on developing new technologies and improvements in the manufacturing, technology and services sectors. We nurture Small Medium Enterprises (SME) growth with solutions for technology penetration and upgrading, making it an ideal technology partner for SMEs.

PARTNER

HashiCorp provides infrastructure automation software for multi-cloud environments, enabling enterprises to unlock a common cloud operating model to provision, secure, connect, and run any application on any infrastructure. HashiCorp tools allow organizations to deliver applications faster by helping enterprises transition from manual processes and ITIL practices to self-service automation and DevOps practices. 

PARTNER

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 3,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

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