Significant forest fires have been damaging the landscapes and disrupting the livelihood of the inhabitants in many nations around the globe, including Thailand. These environmental catastrophes occur with disturbing frequency and severity, causing significant environmental damage and posing substantial risks to humans and wildlife alike.
The urgent need to control and extinguish such forest fires is undeniable. However, the process is fraught with danger and risk. Aerial firefighting tactics are commonly employed to combat such wildfires, but their success still heavily depends on the brave professionals and volunteers who risk their lives amidst the scorching heat, toxic fumes, and harmful substances like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and PM 2.5 dust particles.
In response to these widespread challenges, a group of fourth-year engineering students from Chulalongkorn University, collectively known as Team TAF, developed a revolutionary innovation called the Smart Suit. This groundbreaking invention was unveiled at the “Rapid Prototype Development (RPD) Challenge”, an international competition that attracted over 40 student teams from universities all over Asia. The Smart Suit captured the esteemed MGA Award, proudly representing the innovative spirit of Chulalongkorn University.
Team TAF consists of five young, dynamic students from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering: Nithi Achalanan, Narudom Mee-Im (Electrical Engineering), Nichanant Chunsaereechai (Environmental Engineering), Natapong Intarasuk, and Anuthida Ritthiphan (Survey Engineering). They have dedicated their time and effort to devise a hi-tech solution with the potential to save many lives during forest fire scenarios.
The Smart Suit innovation was born out of the dire need for better communication, signal stability, efficient protection gear, and an enhanced system for managing forest fires. Through an in-depth understanding of the challenges encountered by firefighters gathered from their interaction with the firefighting volunteers in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province, the students were inspired to develop the Smart Suit.
This novelty suit leverages IoT (Internet of Things) technology – a network of interconnected devices. The team selected the Sony Spresense board, a commonly used computer board for IoT applications, fitted it with a variety of sensors, and integrated them into the standard firefighting suits.
With the implementation of cutting-edge technology, the suits are able to relay a multitude of data, including real-time spatiotemporal information which can measure parameters such as PM 2.5, carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature. This valuable information can aid accurate disaster management and planning.
The unique ability to provide real-time warnings of rising temperatures and dangerous carbon monoxide levels sets the Smart Suit apart. This helps safeguard firefighters from risking heat strokes or exposure to hazardous gases. In addition, the Smart Suit can pinpoint the location of firefighters, enabling the command center to communicate instantly with the firefighters and make swift decisions based on the ever-changing scenario on the ground.
The team is now inviting interested organizations and agencies to partner in further developing the “Smart Suit” for practical application. They believe that their innovative concept can pave the way for more advancements in the battle against the menacing problem of forest fires on both the domestic and international fronts.
For those interested in collaborating, you may contact the team directly or reach out to the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University at telephone numbers +662 2186309-10.
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