Authored by: Shafishuhaza Sahlan, Yeong Che Fai
Another big win for our fellow CAIRO UTM members. A big congratulations for Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad ‘Athif bin Mohd Faudzi for securing RM250,000 in MYHackathon 2022, on his project Artemis, a search and rescue (SAR) robot developed specifically for the fire department and Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan – KPKT). The robot was developed to assist in SAR for Jabatan Bomba using a state-of-the-art robot technology equipped with an advanced sensory system.
MYHackathon is Malaysia’s national scale hackathon focusing on digital solutions to improve the delivery of key government’s services. Initiated by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), and powered by Cradle, Malaysia’s early stage start-up influencer, incorporated under the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF) since 2003. MYHackathon is aimed to combine the funding intervention and talent drafted under Malaysian Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (SUPER). Beginning on 25th June 2022, MYHackaton 2022 was participated by an astonishing 433 participants from diverse talent backgrounds in product development, software and Artificial Intelligent (AI). Officiated on 27th June 2022, the program was followed by a series of bootcamps, as well as a continuous monitoring and submission sessions which lasted for six days. During these six days, the 433 participants are required to perform online engagement sessions, with a combination of masterclass session and one-on-one coaching and mentoring session.
Following the rigorous process, 20 finalists were selected by the organizers. The finalists then went on more online engagement sessions and bootcamps. Finally, on the fifteenth day of the program, i.e. on the 15th August 2022, each finalist was required to do their final pitch in the Closing ceremony and the winners were announced by MOSTI Minister, YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Adham bin Baba.
Prof Athif’s team selected problem statement #4, which is to develop a solution utilizing robots for an ‘early reconnaissance’ Search and Rescue (SAR) for Jabatan Bomba and KPKT. The problem was encountered due to the difficulty by the respective stakeholders in executing the SAR program, due to lack of technological solution in retrieving information from disastrous areas. In addition, there is a lack of AI solutions to analyze and predict proper SAR steps as well as collecting new information to execute proper solutions. Prof Athif’s team, responsible for Artemis, comprise of Mr. Wessam Hamid, Mr. Najmul Islam, Mr. Navein A/L Sirkunan, Mr. Shaekh Mohamed Shithil and Ms. Nurul Shafiqa Mohd Yusof.
The developed technology is prioritized to increase the effectiveness of the SAR activities in Malaysia. A successful implementation of the technology during SAR, will ensure that the disaster victims are able to be saved earlier, as well as ensuring the lives of the firefighters while performing the SAR activities. The utilization of the proposed technology will assist all parties in charge to deal with the disaster better. In other words, the developed robot will save more lives during critical SAR operations.
The robot development is underway as we speak and with all of our hearts, we do hope the team will be successful in paving the way for a safer and more efficient SAR operation, with the help of Artemis. As quoted by them, they want to Revolutionize Search and Rescue Operations with robotics technology. We wish Prof Athif and his team the best of luck!
More about CAIRO UTM:
CAIRO UTM (Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics) is one of the leading Centres of Excellence in Malaysia focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Control and Automation. Established in 1997, CAIRO UTM has produced numerous talents and significant research outcomes on AI & Robotics. In 2018, CAIRO UTM was awarded as one of the Competence Centre by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry MITI. UTM has strong linkages and networking with academic institutions, government sectors and industrial sectors, on national and international level.