Researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have introduced a high-tech drowning prevention and rescue system at a popular scenic water area. Developed by Dr. YU Daoyang’s team, this AI-driven system integrates artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data to provide continuous monitoring, early warnings, and autonomous rescue capabilities, aiming to significantly reduce drowning risks.
Drowning prevention has become an urgent public concern. Traditional rescue methods often rely on human lifeguards, who may struggle with limited visibility, large coverage areas, and response time.
This new AI-based approach overcomes these challenges by offering constant, precise surveillance and faster response, making it a promising solution for water safety at large public sites.
The system features over 100 optical and thermal cameras to ensure 24/7, high-definition surveillance across key water zones, allowing even minor movements on the water’s surface to be detected and assessed in real-time. Using intelligent image recognition, the system alerts operators when individuals enter restricted zones or show signs of distress, quickly calculating their exact location and initiating rescue actions.
Autonomous rescue boats, called Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), play a central role by navigating directly to the affected individuals using precise coordinates. These USVs are guided remotely at first, then switch to full autonomy as they near the target, performing swift rescues with minimal human intervention. This seamless transition, combined with adaptive tracking technology, enhances reliability and speed.
This cutting-edge system offers a new model for water safety. It highlights the potential for technology to safeguard lives, according to the team.
A high-tech drowning prevention and rescue system was developed. (Image by YU Daoyang)
