San Francisco startup Pano AI is using similar technology, mounting cameras on cell towers to scan for smoke. The images are combined with feeds from government weather satellites and other data sources, such as social media posts. Microsoft is also developing AI models to predict where fires are likely to start, using maps of areas that have previously burned, along with climate and geospatial data. German startup OroraTech is using satellite images and AI to detect fires, with plans to launch more satellites next year.
Key takeaways:
- Firefighters and startups are using AI-enabled cameras to detect signs of smoke and predict potential wildfires, with companies like Microsoft developing AI models to predict where fires are likely to start.
- San Francisco startup Pano AI is using cameras mounted on cell towers that scan for smoke and alert customers, including fire departments, utility companies and ski resorts.
- German startup OroraTech is using artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images for fire detection, with plans to launch more satellites for better coverage.
- While AI technology is proving beneficial in early detection and response to wildfires, it still requires human confirmation to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.