Credit: CC0 Public Domain.
A company that uses AI to save billions of litres of water has partnered with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) to further enhance its technology. Fido Tech is helping communities around the world affected by water scarcity and constraints – working with utilities to protect UK resources and protect water supplies for communities in Australia, the US, Thailand and beyond.
The remote community of Murray Island in Australia's Torres Strait leveraged the FIDO AI system as part of an integrated leak detection strategy that incorporated multiple technologies and partners, including the Torres Strait Regional Council and Global Infrastructure Asset Manager Asset Life Alliance, resulting in the lifting of strict water restrictions for the first time in more than 20 years.
UNESCO calls reducing water leaks a "low or no regret" response to climate change, as it relates to adaptation and mitigation, and providing clean water and sanitation for all is Goal 6 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
90% of underground pipe leaks never appear above ground, and about 30% of the world's treated drinking water is drained from the pipeline network before it reaches our taps.
Victoria Edwards, CEO of Fido Tech, said: "At least one-third of the world's tap water is lost to leaks. It's a tragedy, but it's also an amazing opportunity. Seepage is a cheap, low-carbon source of water, but until now, it has been in a box of "too hard to do". New disruptive technologies like FIDO AI are the only way to reduce leakage and non-revenue water and challenge the climate change catastrophe that is driving our communities towards Day Zero, the day when communities become water-starved.
Professor James Miller, Vice-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of Scotland, added: "As climate change continues to have catastrophic effects on a global scale, it is now more important than ever to foster strong international impact collaborations and harness the power of research and new technologies to address global challenges.
This groundbreaking system works by placing a small sensor on an asset, such as a fire hydrant, and collecting and uploading synchronized measurements for automated processing by accessing a user-friendly app on your phone. The technology provides a simple and effective method of cloud correlation, using innovative artificial intelligence developed in collaboration with UWS, to acoustically map the exact location of the leak in seconds.
Professor Milan Rados**Ljevic, Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement at the University of Western Australia, said: "This project is an example of what can be achieved by collaboration between industry and academia.
This groundbreaking project is making a real difference for communities to thrive and make a significant contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The technology is being used by companies around the world as part of their water leak detection and mitigation measures.
FIDO Tech and UWS collaborate through a knowledge transfer partner program.
The impact of AI on water management is expected to expand further. As technology advances, AI systems will become more sophisticated and able to enhance overall water infrastructure management.
Professor Muhammad Zeeshan Shakir from the School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Western Australia added: "This project demonstrates the life-changing potential of AI and sensing technology and how it can be harnessed to protect our natural resources, such as water, and help communities in need of innovative solutions.
It's great to see this technology have a direct impact and address the big challenge of addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Water Security. We are excited to continue our partnership with Fido Tech through our industry-leading KTP program."