AI project to solve difficult problems in critical infrastructure
How can AI and smart sensors help solve long-standing challenges in roads, railways, buildings and energy systems? In the AIRI research project, Mid Sweden University, NTNU and industry partners are developing new solutions for the critical infrastructure of the future.
“Many organisations responsible for critical infrastructure face challenges that are difficult to detect and address in time. The consequences can be costly, while existing technological solutions do not always provide the answers needed. That is something we want to change,” says Irida Shallari, Project Manager of AIRI and Senior Lecturer at Mid Sweden University.
The Swedish-Norwegian research project AIRI* aims to develop new AI-based solutions to address these challenges. One of the project’s first tasks is to find a more efficient way to measure the volume of a salt storage facility at Nouryon. The salt is used in the company’s industrial production, where it serves as a key raw material. By gaining better control over the storage volume, the business can obtain a more reliable basis for inventory management and production planning.
This need has been identified by project partner Starbit, and researchers are now investigating how sensor technology can be used in new ways to provide more accurate measurements.
“The initial tests have shown promising results. The next step is to develop multiple interconnected sensors that can work together to calculate the volume of the storage facility,” she says.
The aim is to develop solutions that can strengthen society’s critical infrastructure and make it more resilient, energy efficient and robust.
“We want to start with real-world problems and genuine needs. This is not about developing technology for technology’s sake, but about combining our expertise to solve challenges where there is already a clear demand,” says Irida Shallari.
The project brings together researchers and companies from Sweden and Norway. Mid Sweden University and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) contribute complementary research expertise, while Nordic Semiconductor, Starbit and Sensor Innovation provide industrial knowledge and technological development.
“Our strength lies in the way we complement one another. Together with our industry partners, we can take solutions all the way from research to real-world implementation,” she says.
AIRI is now looking for additional companies and organisations facing challenges that have proved difficult or costly to solve using existing technologies.
“We would very much like to hear from organisations that have been working on a challenge for a long time without finding a satisfactory solution. Together, we can explore the opportunities offered by new technologies and new approaches,” says Irida Shallari.
AIRI is funded through grants from Interreg Sweden-Norway and Region Västernorrland.
*AIRI stands for Embedded AI for Resilient Infrastructure.
Contact:
Irida Shallari, Project Manager, AIRI, and Senior Lecturer, Mid Sweden University, +4610-142 83 50, irida.shallari@miun.se
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