A group of talented young engineers and researchers from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has achieved international recognition for their groundbreaking innovation, RescueAI: Smart City Disaster Management System with AI and Aerial Robotics. They won a Gold Medal at the 12th World Invention Creativity Olympic (WICO) 2023.
The Turkish Inventors Association (TÜMMİAD) bestowed the Gold Medal Award upon RescueAI, further affirmed by recognition from the Toronto International Society of Innovation & Advanced Skills (TISIAS). WICO 2023, held in Seoul, South Korea, was organised by the Korea University Invention Association (KUIA) and sponsored by the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.
RescueAI is the culmination of efforts by a team of experts and students from APU’s School of Engineering (SoE) and the Center for Research and Development of IoT (CREDIT). This project was led by Dipl-Ing. Ir. Narendran Ramasenderan, Mr. Krishna Ravinchandra, Ng Joo Kiat, Cajun Tai Ka Joon, Ang Jia Ze, and Cheng Yi Heng. Their prototype stands as a beacon of progress in the realm of disaster management.
The system’s core capabilities lie in its use of artificial intelligence (AI) and aerial robotics to gather real-time environmental data, encompassing critical factors like weather conditions, structural damage, and the precise location of individuals and assets. This data forms the foundation for the creation of a digital twin of the disaster-stricken area, enabling the simulation of diverse scenarios and the formulation of optimal response strategies.
The team is engaged in the commercialisation of RescueAI, and their aim is to make the system accessible to governments and enterprises worldwide, underscoring the global impact of their innovation.
While RescueAI is at the forefront of its achievements, APU is also making its mark in other arenas. Ng Joo Kiat, Chang Kah Boon, and Cheng Yi Heng, representing APU’s Team Delta, participated in the DB-SNUbiz Global Startup Challenge 2023. This competition featured RescueAI as a project addressing the challenges posed by climate change-induced extreme weather events such as heatwaves and floods.
In a significant departure from conventional 2D dashboards, Team Delta conceptualised a 3D Digital Twin model, offering a more intuitive representation of flood and fire disasters. This innovative model facilitates precise flood simulations, anticipating the spread and impact of floods on various locations with accuracy.
Drones equipped with sensors and pre-trained YOLOv8 models play a pivotal role in recording real-time data, which continuously updates the Digital Twin model to ensure data accuracy. Furthermore, the team is in the process of developing a mobile app designed for reporting flood and fire incidents. This app boasts AI detection and alarm functions, streamlining the reporting process and expediting emergency responses.
The achievements of the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) team with RescueAI closely align with the Malaysian government’s larger goals. Malaysia aims to enhance disaster resilience and management, and the innovative Disaster Management System exemplifies this commitment.
Furthermore, by garnering global recognition and showcasing Malaysia’s technological prowess, RescueAI contributes to the government’s agenda of promoting innovation and technology as drivers of economic growth. The project’s success underscores Malaysia’s capacity for innovation, augments economic opportunities in AI and robotics, and positions the nation as a player on the global innovation stage, aligning with the government’s overarching development objectives.
OpenGov Asia reported earlier that a robotics company that provides intelligent unmanned delivery solutions for global enterprises recently forged a strategic partnership with the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). This collaboration is poised to be a significant driver of academic, technological, and industry-sharing initiatives, with the ultimate aim of reshaping the field of robotics and automation.
The partnership was formally solidified through the robotics company’s Malaysian representative and distributor. The representative holds the exclusive distribution rights for service robots in Malaysia, and it also supplies a range of health and wellness products locally and internationally. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at APU’s state-of-the-art campus situated in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur.
