A project that aims to enhance search and rescue operations in Vietnam during natural disasters by using the latest digital transformation technologies, including aerial vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing technology. The initiative will be delivered collaboratively by the University of Technology Sydney and Le Quy Don Technical University.
Context
Vietnam is among the countries that are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, with the impact of global warming increasing the frequency and severity of disaster events. The Vietnamese government, in cooperation with international partner organisations, continue to devote enormous effort in search and rescue (SAR) missions during and post-disasters. Through the application of new technology to improve training and equipment, SAR activities during the increasingly regular floods, landslides, oil spills and maritime incidents can be made safer and more effective. Digital technologies also present opportunities to minimise the tragic consequences of rescue efforts, like the SAR mission in Rao Trang hydropower plant in 2020 that claimed more than a dozen lives of rescuers.
Solution
This project aims to bring the latest advances in digital transformation technologies, in particular Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Artificial Intelligence and Simulations to training for SAR activities in Vietnam. These core award winning technologies are based on real-time remote sensing algorithms and software developed by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Live Virtual and Constructive (LVC) simulation tool developed by Le Quy Don Technical University (LQDTU). These technologies will be combined to develop a system with real-time remote sensing and aerial surveillance together with simulation training for different SAR scenarios. UTS will collaborate with its partners, Le Quy Don Technical University (LQDTU), Ripper Corp, Ho Chi Minh University of Technology (HCMUT) and the Office of National Committee for Search and Rescue of Vietnam (VINASARCOM) to transfer, deploy and apply real-time remote sensing and aerial surveillance technology using UAVs to SAR management, rescue operation activities and SAR training in Vietnam.
Key activities
- Transfer UTS remote sensing technology to LQDTU for customising, training, and testing with real footages.
- Developing SAR simulation-based training systems
- Field tests of real-time remote sensing software with drones/UAVs
- Field training for SAR missions with VINASARCOM
UTS Team: Eryk Dutkiewicz, Diep N. Nguyen, Nabin Sharma, Michael Blumenstein, Long Nghiem, Hoang Dinh, Stuart Perry, Vinh Nguyen, Thuy Pham
Le Quy Don Technical University (LQDTU) Team: Kien Nguyen, Lam Bui
Aus4Innovation Kickoff Meeting