Powertec Provides InsightFD Early Bushfire Detection in Australia

Powertec Telecommunications, the leading wireless communication products & solutions provider in Australia & New Zealand, partners with Robotics Cats to provide InsightFD Early Wildfire Detection System in the ANZ markets.

The 2019 Mega-bushfire burnt an estimated 11.46m hectares, destroyed over 5,900 buildings and killed at least 34 people. Almost 3 billion animals were killed or displaced by the last devastating bushfire season of 2019 and 2020.^[1] With the increasing temperature and drought weather, Australia will be under huge threats in the coming new bushfire season.

In recent research “Australian Bushfire & Climate Plan”^[2], a national commitment to net-zero emissions and deployment of early detection and extinguishing of fires are the number one and two recommendations respectively to deal with more dangerous fires due to climate change.

“Establish an automated network of sensors for early detection of fires, with particular focus on high-risk areas, including densely populated areas and peri-urban interface areas; critical infrastructure including electricity, water, telecommunication, access bridges and roads.” ^[2]

In another study by Science & Technology Australia published in May 2020^[3], rapid-fire identification technologies are suggested to mobilise firefighting resources effectively to control fire spread. We have similar study results in other countries too. There are good performances and customer feedback from the early wildfire detection systems deployed in Indonesia, Mexico and Europe, etc.

To mitigate bushfire risk and damage, and protect the beautiful nature and communities in Australia, Powertec Telecommunications will provide InsightFD early bushfire detection solution. InsightFD uses dual-sensor camera systems and AI image detection to automatically detect early fire ignition. The built-in thermal sensor can detect burning vegetation as small as 2 m² in size at a 5 km distance. AI Smoke Detection can identify bushfire smoke 15 km away. With early bushfire detection, emergency services can immediately deploy aerial and ground firefighter crews to suppress bushfires more effective when they are small.

“At Powertec Telecommunications, we are continuously evolving and developing new communications and IoT solutions to support our customers. We help our customers to communicate effectively and to be connected seamlessly no matter in what situation they are, including emergency bushfire outbreak,” stated Samantha Clifton, General Manager of Powertec Communications. “We are delighted to be partnering with Robotics Cats. With Robotics Cats we found an innovative, robust and unique technology that perfectly complements our growing portfolio. Adding InsightFD Early Wildfire Detection System product line is a natural fit for our ever-expanding nationwide customer base. As a leading communication solution provider, this strategic partnership is perfect for our two companies.”

“We are very excited about the partnership between Powertec Telecommunications and Robotics Cats! We want to and we can protect the forests, assets and communities in Australia with our wildfire detection system solutions,” said Andre Cheung, Founder and CEO of Robotics Cats. “Australia is the 7^th largest country in the world with forest area. With Powertec’s expertise in wireless communications and nationwide sales and support coverage in Australia and New Zealand, we believe we can help our customers to deploy the best early bushfire detection solution in the region.”

Original article by Robotics Cats, 17 August 2020

https://roboticscats.com/2020/08/17/powertec-provides-insightfd-early-bushfire-detection-in-australia/