Iranian Researchers Develop Disaster Drones for Crisis Situations Using AI
"Vira Zharfe Kavir Data Mining Technical Engineering Company is the only first-level data mining complex in Kerman which in cooperation with Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman is operating in the field of UAV services, collecting and processing remote sensing images by applying new methods of artificial intelligence with the aim of making various activities smarter to serve the broader industry in the country," Zahra Sadat Attari, the head of the image processing department of Zharfe Kavir Data Mining Company, said in an interview with ANA News Agency on the sidelines of INOTEX 2023 exhibition in Tehran.
"National AFT software can intelligently check more than 80 types of power transmission line faults using artificial intelligence algorithm and provide its complete report in PDF, Excel and KMZ format to power administrators," she added.
"Perla is an indigenously-produced fixed-wing drone for crisis situations. This drone has the capability to land and take off vertically, so it does not need a runway. During landing and takeoff, the flight risk is minimal and does not require a professional pilot. Aerial photography is also possible with this drone," Attari went on to say while pointing to a model of drone, manufactured by the company.
"Producing 3D map of power transmission grids and supergrids, preliminary investigation of power transmission masts that are out of service amid the crisis, detection of flood path in times of crisis, counting the number of people on the path, carrying out urgent mission of monitoring and sending data live, performing quick monitoring to find at risk masts before the main line monitoring operation, comparing before and after 3D models of substations and power transmission lines to check changes, etc. are among the advantages of using this Perla drone," according to her.
"Hila is a locally-produced specialized drone for automatic monitoring of power transmission grids. This UAV is designed according to the needs of the electricity industry in the field of monitoring transmission grids and supergrids. Hila has a navigation capability based on image processing and deep learning solutions, which provides the user with the possibility of navigation without using a global positioning system (GPS). Also, with the possibility of installing different cameras, the drone can be trained to carry out different missions during night and day. This drone allows the user to use two operators at the same time."
Attari further noted that the use of modern navigation based on image processing, maintaining a safe distance of the drone from the high-voltage masts for good quality imaging, the use of a high-zoom camera, the use of deep learning to track the wires of power transmission grid, etc. are some other advantages of Hila drone.
The researcher further said that Zharfe Kavir data mining company has created jobs for 15-20 people so far.
"We were among the top 10 startups that were sent to the Dubai Photo Award Exhibition in 2022. Also, this company received an award as the best startup in the Kenz section of INOTEX 2023," Attari concluded.
INOTEX is Iran’s biggest innovation and technology event, which is held annually to bring together high-tech companies, startups, accelerators as well as venture capital funds in order to share experience and bring viable ideas to the market.
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