Italian Tech Firm Avacam Deploys AI to Predict Landslides, Enhancing Safety

Italian technology company Avacam has introduced an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to detect and predict landslides before they occur, significantly enhancing safety in vulnerable areas across Italy. The system utilizes high-precision sensors and AI to provide real-time monitoring of ground movements, a critical development for a country highly susceptible to hydrogeological instability.

Revolutionizing Landslide Monitoring with AI

Founded by engineer Damiano Bauce, Avacam's technology aims to transform risk into safety by anticipating and effectively managing landslides. The core of the system is an ultra-high-resolution industrial optical unit, the GEO T8, which is engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions and can be installed rapidly, even in high-altitude environments. This device captures high-definition images, up to 4K resolution, at regular intervals. These images are then processed by AI algorithms that employ digital image correlation to detect even imperceptible variations on the monitored surface.

Real-Time Data and Predictive Analytics

Avacam's AI platform continuously analyzes both historical and current data to forecast potential landslides. This capability allows for the provision of continuous monitoring and reliable data on ground movements, offering early warnings that the human eye might not perceive. The system generates custom reports and real-time alerts, enabling authorities to respond swiftly to emerging threats. According to Avacam, their solution can optimize decision-making and intervention times by up to 80%. The AI is constantly trained with a growing database to improve the accuracy and timeliness of its alerts.

Addressing Italy's Hydrogeological Vulnerability

The deployment of Avacam's technology comes at a crucial time for Italy, which faces significant challenges from landslides. Data from ISPRA (Italy's National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) indicates that Italy has over 635,000 recorded landslides, making it the country with the highest number in Europe. Nearly 10% of the national territory falls within high-hazard areas, with more than 1.28 million people residing permanently in these at-risk zones. This vulnerability is further compounded by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

The system has already been tested, including monitoring an unstable slope in Clauzetto, Pordenone. In this instance, Avacam processed 300 images in just a few hours, successfully identifying ground variations before they became evident. This demonstrates the technology's potential for proactive prevention.

Advanced Features and Future Outlook

Key features of Avacam's monitoring system include:

• Plug & Play design for easy installation
• Resistance to extreme temperatures (-20°C to +50°C) and harsh weather conditions
• Minimal maintenance requirements
• Remote control capabilities for managing settings
• Power supply via high-efficiency solar panels and data transmission via 4G/LTE/LTE-M connectivity for remote areas
• GDPR compliance, including automatic masking of sensitive areas for monitoring in populated zones

Avacam's innovative approach, combining robust hardware with sophisticated AI, positions it as a leader in environmental risk management, aiming to create a safer world by anticipating and mitigating the impact of landslides.