Science & Technology, UK (Commonwealth Union) – The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to make inroads into just about every aspect of out lives from crop monitoring in agriculture to suicide and self-harm predicting. As AI continues to be further enhanced its applications are likely to expand even more into areas beyond our imagination.
A technology company leveraging AI to conserve billions of liters of water has forged a partnership with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) to advance its innovative solutions. FIDO Tech is actively aiding communities across the globe, grappling with water scarcity and restrictions, collaborating with utility firms to safeguard precious water resources in the UK while ensuring the sustainability of water supplies in places like Australia, the United States, Thailand, and beyond.
Water scarcity is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires urgent action at the global, national, and local levels. By adopting a holistic approach that integrates sustainable water management practices, climate adaptation measures, and community engagement, we can build a more water-secure future for all.
In the remote Murray Island community within the Torres Strait, Australia, FIDO’s AI system played a pivotal role in an integrated leak detection strategy alongside various technologies and partners, including the Torres Strait Regional Council and global infrastructure asset management company, Asset Life Alliance. This collective effort resulted in the lifting of severe water restrictions for the first time in over two decades.
Recognizing the significance of reducing water leaks as a proactive response to climate change, UNESCO has hailed it as a “low or no regrets” approach, aligning with both adaptation and mitigation efforts. Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, as outlined in Goal 6 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, underscores the urgency of such initiatives.
It’s estimated that approximately ninety percent of underground pipe leaks remain undetected, and roughly thirty percent of the world’s treated drinking water is lost from pipeline networks before reaching consumers’ taps.
Victoria Edwards, CEO of FIDO Tech, pointed out that as a significant portion of the world’s piped water is lost due to leaks, which is both a tragedy and an incredible opportunity. Historically, addressing leakage has been deemed too challenging. However, with the emergence of disruptive technologies like FIDO AI, the means are available to reduce leakage and non-revenue water effectively. She further indicated that this is crucial in combating the looming threat of climate change-driven water scarcity, pushing communities toward ‘Day Zero’ – the day when water sources are depleted.”
Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of Scotland, underscored the urgency of fostering international collaborations and leveraging research and technology to tackle global challenges amid the escalating impacts of climate change.
The innovative system operates by affixing a compact sensor, such as on a water hydrant, and utilizing a user-friendly mobile application to gather and process simultaneous measurements. Through cutting-edge AI developed in partnership with UWS, the technology swiftly identifies the precise location of leaks using a cloud-based correlation method.
Professor Milan Radosavljevic, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Engagement at UWS, praised the collaboration between industry and academia, citing the project as a prime example of what can be achieved through such partnerships.
“The pioneering project is making a real difference to communities being able to thrive as well as contributing significantly to addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Companies globally are integrating this technology into their water leak detection and mitigation strategies. FIDO Tech joined hands with UWS under a Knowledge Transfer Partnership initiative, supported by Innovate UK.
Researchers of the study pointed out that the influence of AI on water management is anticipated to grow. With ongoing technological progress, AI systems will evolve to be increasingly sophisticated, contributing to improved management of water infrastructure overall.
Professor Muhammad Zeeshan Shakir, from the UWS, School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, says “This project shows the life-changing potential of AI and sensing technology and how it can be deployed to protect our natural resources, such as water, and help communities who are in need of innovative solutions.
“It’s exciting to see the technology making a direct impact and solving grand challenges, addressing UN SDG 6 – water security. We are delighted to be continuing to work with FIDO Tech, through our sector leading KTP programme.”
