IGF 2024 Village Booth #40 Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR)

Description

Frontline Operational AI System for Disaster Response and Management The Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) will like to introduce and showcase the “Front-Line Operation AI System (FLOS)” and "Locally Accessible Cloud System (LACS)”. We eager to present the FLOS and LACS at IGF2024. The FLOS and LACS are an innovative Japanese technology that utilizes a portable edge server and wireless LAN as a single unit system designed to provide various essential cloud-based services. The services include — communication, information sharing, geographic information systems (GIS), enhance disaster response capabilities like emergency alerts through advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), and network solutions in the aftermath of large-scale disaster. The system is also capable of automatically handling disaster information at the front-line level and provide local network connectivity to areas where network communication is disrupted or cutoff. Objectives of FLOS and LACS: 1. To promote rapid, effective, and resilient response during disasters and emergencies. 2. To ensure that first responders such as police, firefighters, etc., can carry out their duties smoothly. 3. To swiftly restore communication services in areas where network communication/Internet is disrupted and capable of operating in remote and underserved areas. 4. To provide a way to install and deploy local networking environment in an easy and faster manner with low cost. 5. To provide an easy to extend coverage area by interconnecting FLOSs/LACSs already installed/deployed in the rural area, towns, and local governments to form state-wide communications system. 6. To operate a statewide integrated information system for disaster response and damage mitigation. 7. To offer solutions based on conventional commercially available user devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Innovations at the Booth: Visitors to our booth will experience the innovative FLOS prototype, which employs AI to aid first responders in making swift, informed decisions. The system is designed to improve situational awareness, streamline communication, and facilitate efficient resource allocation in real-time. We will demonstrate various functions of the FLOS such as localized AI-based interactions (i.e., transcribing speech-to-text, text-to-speech), automatic information processing, image analysis for various use cases with edge computing capabilities, efficient local data processing in real-time, etc. Also, we will showcase the FLOS/LACS capabilities in filling the SDGs of bridging the gap in network connectivity in areas without Internet connection. We will demonstrate FLOS/LACS which uses a robust Edge Server's ability to deliver services like voice-based and video call functions, e-education and e-medical in remote areas. We will highlight the system's pivotal role in providing network connectivity to regions lacking traditional infrastructure or damaged, and where Internet services are disrupted, which is vital in post-disaster scenarios. This function ensures that communication lines remain open so that coordination efforts can be effective. International Collaborative Efforts: Our project has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders in the disaster management field and various organizations. We have worked closely with CVISNET Philippines, WISFLUX India, EducatingNepal Nepal, APNIC Foundation, among others, to ensure that our systems meet the highest standards of operational excellence and reliability. This partnership has enabled us to refine FLOS and LACS to cater specifically to the needs of filling the gaps in various communities and fulfilling the SDGs. Future Developments: Looking ahead, we are developing real FLOS/LACS systems that can be readily available for deployment while collaborating with our partners in ASIA Pacific and Africa. We are excited to demonstrate the potential of our system to improve network connectivity, e-education, e-medical, etc., in rural area, and communities where network infrastructure does not exist or where Internet connectivity is disrupted. We believe that our presence at IGF2024 will showcase the potential of FLOS and LACS to revolutionize local networking, contributing to fulfilling the SDGs in communities. Note: A part of this work was supported by Council for Science, Technology and Innovation(CSTI), Crossministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), development of a Resilient Smart Network System against Natural Disasters (Funding agency:NIED).