Turkey’s commitment to disaster readiness has been significantly bolstered through innovative AI and robotics initiatives. Following a devastating earthquake two years ago, a collaborative grant program led by NVIDIA and the Bridge to Türkiye Fund has empowered researchers and students to develop cutting-edge solutions for search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and educational advancement in disaster preparedness.
Advancing Disaster Preparedness Through AI and Robotics
In the wake of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Syria and Türkiye, claiming over 55,000 lives, a concerted effort has emerged to enhance disaster readiness. NVIDIA, in partnership with the Bridge to Türkiye Fund, launched a Disaster Response Innovation and Education Grant. This initiative provided 100 free NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kits and $50,000 in funding to eight awardees, fostering the development of AI and robotics tools for future emergencies.
Key Initiatives and Innovations
- Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) for Search and Rescue: Researchers at Ankara University developed a modular UGV equipped with thermal and RGB-D cameras and an NVIDIA Jetson Nano. This UGV can scan environments in 3D and detect thermal activity, enabling safe human detection in post-disaster scenarios.
- Robotics Education and SLAM Training: Hacettepe University integrated NVIDIA Jetson Nano-based projects into its computer engineering curriculum. Students trained "Duckiebots" with Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) capabilities, crucial for robots navigating unknown and hazardous environments.
- Rapid Pathogen Screening: Bilkent University researchers created a portable mini supercomputer cluster using NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kits. This system allows for on-site metagenomic analysis, enabling quick identification of pathogens in water and food sources to prevent disease outbreaks in disaster-stricken areas.
- AI and Embedded Systems Education: The Izmir Institute of Technology utilized NVIDIA Jetson Nano devices and CUDA to provide nearly 80 undergraduates with hands-on experience in AI, accelerated computing, and robotics. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of innovators in life-saving technologies.
A Proactive Approach to Future Disasters
Harun Bayraktar and Berra Kara, NVIDIA employees who grew up in Türkiye, spearheaded the grant program. Their motivation was to move beyond being bystanders after the earthquake, aiming to raise awareness, increase AI and robotics expertise, and ultimately minimize casualties in future seismic events. The success of these projects demonstrates a proactive and technologically advanced approach to disaster preparedness, transforming innovative concepts into effective, life-saving solutions.
