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Disasters are inevitable, but they don’t have to be devastating. With the help of new technologies, we can improve our preparedness, response, and recovery from natural and man-made hazards. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that technology can help us protect ourselves and our communities from disasters.

Aerial Robotics: Reaching Where Humans Can’t

One of the challenges of disaster management is accessing remote or dangerous areas, where conventional vehicles or aircraft may not be able to operate. Aerial robotics, such as drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), offer a solution to this problem. They can fly over rugged terrain, map the damage, deliver supplies, and search for survivors.

For example, after the massive flooding in Peru in 2017, a local non-profit called Peru Flying Labs used drones to create high-resolution aerial images of the affected regions. These images helped humanitarian agencies assess the situation, plan relief operations, and monitor water levels.

Another example is the use of drones by the American Red Cross to support disaster response in the US. The drones can provide real-time situational awareness, identify hazards, and locate people in need of assistance.

Connectivity: Communicating When It Matters Most

Another challenge of disaster management is maintaining communication networks, which are often disrupted or overloaded during emergencies. Without reliable connectivity, people may not be able to access vital information, contact their loved ones, or request help.

Fortunately, technology can help us overcome this challenge by providing alternative or backup communication channels. For instance, satellite phones or radios can enable voice or text communication in areas where cellular networks are down or unavailable. Mesh networks or Wi-Fi hotspots can create local networks that allow people to share data or access the internet.

For example, after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, a team of volunteers from NetHope deployed solar-powered Wi-Fi hotspots across the island. These devices provided internet access to more than 500,000 people, enabling them to communicate with their families, access online services, and coordinate relief efforts.

Another example is the use of mesh networks by Project Owl, a start-up that won the IBM Call for Code 2018 Global Challenge. Project Owl developed a low-cost device that can create a mesh network in disaster zones. The device can transmit information such as weather updates, evacuation routes, or emergency alerts to anyone within range.

Generative AI: Analyzing and Planning for Disasters

A third challenge of disaster management is analyzing and planning for complex and dynamic scenarios, which require a lot of data, expertise, and creativity. Human decision-makers may not have enough time, resources, or information to make optimal choices.

Generative AI can help us address this challenge by providing data-driven insights, recommendations, and solutions. Generative AI is a branch of artificial intelligence that can create new content or outcomes based on existing data or rules. For example, generative AI can generate text, images, music, or code.

For example, IBM Watson is a generative AI platform that can analyze large amounts of data and provide answers to natural language questions. IBM Watson has been used by various organizations to support disaster management. For instance, IBM Watson helped the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) develop a chatbot that can provide information and guidance on disaster risk reduction.

Another example is the use of generative AI by WeRobotics’ AidRobotics program. AidRobotics uses generative AI to identify local humanitarian needs and incubate robotics solutions via regional Flying Labs™. For instance, AidRobotics used generative AI to design a drone that can deliver blood samples in remote areas of Tanzania.

Conclusion: Technology as a Force for Good

Technology can be a powerful tool for disaster management if used wisely and ethically. Technology can help us reach where humans can’t, communicate when it matters most, and analyze and plan for disasters. By harnessing the potential of technology, we can enhance our resilience and reduce our vulnerability to disasters.

However, technology is not a silver bullet. Technology alone cannot prevent or mitigate disasters. We also need human factors such as leadership, coordination, collaboration, education, and awareness.

Therefore, we should use technology as a force for good: to complement our human capabilities and values; to empower our communities and stakeholders; and to protect our planet and people from disasters.

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