How Austin Energy utilizes AI technology for wildfires

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Just over a year after Austin leaders approved using artificial intelligence (AI) to help detect wildfires, public safety commissioners received an update on that program's efforts at the Austin Public Safety Commission Monday afternoon.

Austin City Council approved a contract last October between Austin Energy and Pano AI for technology services to help with early wildfire detections. Coverage is situated in Austin Energy's service area and Travis County, but also edges into six surrounding counties, according to city documents.

That five-year contract has a sticker price of $3.2 million, per documents.

The measure marked the first time the technology was used here in Texas. Today, Pano's AI technology is used in 10 U.S. states, five Australian states and one Canadian providence, city documents noted.

Pano AI utilizes ultra-high-definition cameras to capture 360-degree, panoramic views, which are then paired with weather data and satellite imagery. Pano's AI system works alongside wildfire detection analysts at the Pano Intelligence Center, who help review footage and can confirm if any wildfire incidents are emerging.

Currently, Austin Energy's Pano AI use includes stations at 13 vantage points, with two cameras situated at each station. The first of those stations launched in March while the final one went online in August, Chris Vetromile with Austin Energy told commissioners Monday.

The AI technology helps detect any activity within a 10-mile radius, with Pano 360 Alerts used to send out live videos and wildfire information to aid first responders. Those cameras can detect a range of fires, including structural ones, prescribed burns and wildfires.

Commission documents flagged new features rolled out in August that are now being utilized, including weather map layers that help detect the temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and wind gusts. A new optical zoom feature also helps first responders zero in on viewpoints to get a "detailed view of incidents, enhancing situational awareness during emergencies." according to documents.