NetEase Smart News, August 28 — Australia's Gold Coast, a renowned surfing paradise located 43 miles off the country’s eastern coast, is taking a high-tech approach to ensure swimmer safety. The region is now exploring the use of artificial intelligence-powered drones to detect sharks and warn swimmers before any dangerous encounters occur.
Over the past two years, there have been 14 shark attacks in this humid subtropical area, resulting in two fatalities. In response, a new initiative has been launched, involving quadcopter drones equipped with AI technology. These drones will patrol above the blue-green waters, capturing images that are then analyzed by an AI system to determine if the object is just a harmless dolphin or something more dangerous.
If a shark-like creature is detected, the drone can sound an alarm and even deploy a life raft and communication equipment for up to four people, helping swimmers quickly reach safety. The project is led by a team from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), which developed the AI technology used in the drones. The initiative is funded by the Western Pacific Banking Group, based in Australia.
In the near future, the drones will transmit live video footage to ground-based computers for further verification. Looking ahead, the project aims to equip the drones with on-board processors capable of identifying sharks in real time, reducing the need for human intervention.
This initiative is seen as an important layer of defense for swimmers. Prof. Paul Scully, co-founder of the project team, told Reuters: “For years, people have relied on traditional methods to stay safe. This project will be a key part of our layered defense strategy.â€
Current shark detection methods, such as helicopters and manned aircraft, have accuracy rates of around 18% and 12%, respectively. However, according to a recent digital trends report, drones can achieve up to 90% accuracy. The project began in 2016, when researchers from UTS collected over 8,000 images from coastal waters to train their AI systems.
Dr. Nabin Dean from UTS explained: “This isn’t about replacing humans, but enhancing their work with greater precision and efficiency.†He emphasized that the real value of the project lies in how AI can support human efforts in making the ocean safer.
While concerns about AI and automation are valid, this example shows that machine assistance can bring significant benefits to society. As the world continues to embrace smart technologies, projects like this demonstrate how innovation can protect lives and improve public safety.
These keywords represent critical components and applications within the electrical and industrial sector. Here's how they can be classified:
-
Frequency Converter: A frequency converter is a device that converts the frequency of an alternating current (AC) to match the requirement of a particular electrical device or system. This allows equipment designed for specific frequency to operate in regions where the electrical supply has a different frequency. For example, a frequency converter can be used to allow a device designed for a 60Hz supply to operate in a region with a 50Hz supply.
-
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD): A VFD is a type of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage of its power supply. VFDs have significant applications in industrial systems and machinery, where they allow for precise control of motor speed and torque, leading to increased efficiency and longevity of equipment.
-
Pumps, Fans, Conveyors: These are common applications of motors controlled by VFDs. The variable speed provided by the VFD allows these systems to operate more efficiently and adjust to the specific demands of their task. For instance, a pump's flow can be controlled more accurately, fans can be speed adjusted according to the cooling requirement, and conveyor speed can be precisely managed based on the production line's needs.
-
Phase Motor: A phase motor refers to the type of electric motor, which operates based on the phase of the power supply. The most common types are single-phase motors and three-phase motors. Single-phase motors are usually found in lower power applications like household appliances, while three-phase motors are used in higher power applications, often in industrial settings. These motors can be controlled using VFDs for enhanced performance and efficiency.
These components play significant roles in various industries and are essential for efficient operation in many modern systems. The use of VFDs and phase motors, in particular, has revolutionized the way we control and optimize industrial processes, leading to substantial improvements in energy efficiency and system longevity.
Frequency Converter,Variable Frequency Drive,Pumps Fans Conveyors,Phase Motor
WuXi Spread Electrical Co.,LTD , https://www.vfdspread.com