exci detects bushfires and alerts authorities
automatically within minutes after ignition
How the
exci
system works
At the heart of exci’s technology is a series of advanced AI’s fusing data from satellites and ground-based cameras to obtain optimal results from complex and dynamic situations. This system of systems approach delivers robust and accurate alerts with near-zero false positive rates to the customer.
The ground-based system is camera-agnostic and works with a broad range of cameras available on the market. It is best suited to high-value areas – including those on the rural-urban interface, and high-risk areas such as national parks, state forests and conservation areas – providing fast detection during the day.
The satellite data is streamed from existing satellites in near real-time. The coverage is broad-reaching and cost-effective. As satellite sensors have lower resolution than cameras, this capability is better suited for remote and broad area coverage, night-time detections, and to provide comprehensive coverage in all weather conditions.
Detection system
The exci system acquires imagery from ground-based cameras and sensor data from satellites. The data is processed by a sophisticated AI that detects signatures of fires such as smoke and heat. If a fire is detected, reports are immediately presented to the relevant users, such as first responders or asset owners.
Under normal circumstances, it can often take a significant amount of time from when a fire starts before it is noticed and emergency services or private firefighting forces are alerted. The lost time between the ignition and the arrival of firefighters can mean the difference between a minor incident that can be easily contained, and a major bushfire that burns out of control which can lead to days or weeks of destruction before being extinguished.
The exci system eliminates the crucial lost time with rapid detection and immediate alerts. It allows firefighters to respond immediately while giving them continuing real-time updates on the exact location of the fire, the affected area, the direction of spread, and other crucial information to help decision-makers contain and then extinguish the conflagration.
Camera/ground-based fire detections
The exci system uses ground-based camera networks to capture images that are analysed for evidence of fire. These cameras capture images that are processed through AI/Machine Learning systems. Detecting the characteristic colours and movements of smoke allows us to alert firefighters when the fire is still very small. exciGround is camera agnostic and works with a wide range of “Off The Shelf ” cameras. exciGround can also be integrated into existing camera networks. If needed, exci can advise clients on the hardware requirements and facilitate the supply of cameras from a trusted supplier partner.
Satellite/space-based fire detections
exci has achieved one of the best latency rates for satellite data and is offering the fastest access and processing time for existing geostationary assets. exci has access to nearly all fire-related satellites. exci’s patented technology uses proprietary algorithms and methods of processing satellite data.
The geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites used by exci are looking for heat signatures. This allows the exci system to leverage geosynchronous and polar-orbiting platforms to provide layered, low-latency coverage over large swathes of the globe. We are continually developing and improving our satellite-based capabilities and plan to launch our satellites by 2023 (LEO) and 2025 (GEO).
System Performance
During the 2021 Californian fire season, exci processed over One Billion Images from ground-based cameras as well as analysed more than 500,000 Satellite Images (30GB per day). The system monitored nearly 130 Million acres from Mexico to Canada covering California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington and parts of Australia. The exci system issued 8,672 notifications. Reports from California indicated that the system detected 66% of fires within a minute, 95% within 5 minutes, and nearly 100% within 10 minutes with a near zero-rate of false positives.
In Australia, exci’s system monitors an expansive network that spans over 25 million acres, extending from Victoria to Northern Queensland.
A comprehensive assessment of our development team revealed that since the launch of our system, we have successfully detected an astounding 131,000 fires and counting as of October 2023.
This remarkable achievement has had a profound impact, safeguarding not just our clients’ valuable assets, but also fostering the protection of our communities and the preservation of our ecosystems.
Our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence led to a significant enhancement in the efficiency and precision of our system. By optimising the average detection time to a mere one minute, we have not only revolutionised the landscape of wildfire detection but have also established a new benchmark for rapid response and mitigation. This accomplishment firmly solidifies our position as pioneers in the field.
