As Australia moves into its annual bushfire season, Pano AI has officially launched in Australia, in what is their first operation outside of the US.
Pano AI is a San Francisco-based disaster preparedness technology provider and the first company in Australia to offer a fully integrated active bushfire detection solution, using satellites, ultra-HD 360 degree panoramic cameras, and artificial intelligence to help fire authorities and companies identify and extinguish new ignitions before they become a threat, safeguarding lives, communities, and the environment.
Pano AI’s Chief Commercial Officer Founding Team Member Arvind Satyam, said this was significant milestone for the organisation.
“We know that Australia is one of the most bushfire prone countries in the world and our vision was to bring the technology here where it can have the greatest impact in reducing the threat and devastation of fire,” Mr Satyam said.
“Australian firefighters, many of them volunteers, are highly respected around the globe for the bravery and commitment they show in tackling some of the most dangerous bushfires. With the 2019-2020 bushfires still fresh in the memory, we believe there i s a genuine need for innovative solutions to help support management of natural disasters and mitigate their devastating impacts for Australian communities.”
Pano AI’s network of cameras constantly surveys the landscape, combining that imagery with satellite and other data feeds, which is all analysed by AI algorithms. When Pano AI detects a fire threat, its 24/7 intelligence centre confirms the fire and sends an alert within minutes, helping authorities quickly share real-time intelligence to their extended and remote teams, enabling a fast and coordinated response.
Pano AIAI’s Head of Australia GTM, Andrew Prolov, said the technology has the power to change the way landowners, local authorities, utilities, and emergency services detect, confirm, and locate bushfires.
“By harnessing the latest technologies we have created the most advanced bushfire detection solution in the marketplace. It has the potential to significantly reduce the devastating impacts of bushfires, saving lives and livelihoods across Australia. It is a solution we are incredibly excited about,” Mr Prolov said.
The availability of Pano AI technology comes at a critical time for Australian authorities as they look to shore up their defense against bushfires, with rapid plant growth attributed to La Ni ñ a set to become dangerously dry in the next hot summer.
Whilst Pano AI officially launches itself in Sydney today, the company has been established in Australia for over a year with several customers already using the technology, including Southern Cross Forests and Noosa Council.
Noosa Council Mayor Clare Stewart said the technology has huge potential for the region.
“This is cutting-edge technology that helps safeguard our community,” Mayor Stewart said.
“Rapid confirmation of a fire may help our emergency personnel identify and extinguish a blaze before it becomes a threat. This council is driving big changes to traditional fire detection measures to do what we can to avoid a repeat of the 2019 bushfires.”
