The University of Bath Unveils Groundbreaking IoT Solution to Tackle Urban Flooding
The University of Bath recently introduced a cutting-edge IoT solution aimed at addressing urban flooding issues by combining smart cameras with artificial intelligence (AI). This innovative software, known as ‘AI on The River,’ is designed to identify blockages in culverts by detecting debris and waste.
Culverts play a crucial role in allowing waterways to flow under urban infrastructure. These structures are equipped with trash screens to prevent debris from entering. However, blockages at these screens can quickly lead to flooding. By leveraging IoT capabilities, the system provides proactive monitoring and alerts to mitigate potential risks.
This groundbreaking system has attracted global interest, especially in countries like South Africa where data scarcity hinders the development of similar technological solutions.
Dr. Andrew Barnes, a lecturer in Bath’s Department of Computer Science, emphasized the versatility and scalability of the system, stating, “We’ve developed a flexible and scalable solution that has the potential to be implemented in various locations, offering significant benefits.”
Enhancing Flood Prevention Efforts with IoT and AI
The system underwent successful trials at a site in Cardiff, achieving nearly 90% accuracy in detecting potential obstructions. Traditionally, culverts have been monitored manually using CCTV, requiring constant human intervention.
Dr. Barnes highlighted the proactive nature of the IoT-enhanced model, stating, “We’ve created an efficient system that can detect and address blockages before they escalate into major issues.”
By integrating IoT with AI, local authorities can optimize resource allocation, prioritize genuine threats, and improve response times. This approach enables safer and more efficient interventions, minimizing risks for teams working in hazardous conditions.
Dr. Thomas Kjeldsen from the Centre for Regenerative Design and Engineering pointed out, “Given the increasing risks of flooding due to climate change, this innovative work opens up possibilities for cost-effective flood management systems in urban areas.”
As climate change escalates global flood risks, this research focused on IoT technology represents a significant advancement in managing urban water challenges. The system’s adaptability sets a new standard for intelligent flood forecasting, highlighting the potential of IoT applications in infrastructure.
The study, titled ‘CCTV Image-based classification of blocked trash screens,’ has been published in The Journal of Flood Risk Management and is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
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