Latest news with #Dryad
Local Germany
03-04-2025
- Business
- Local Germany
How AI-powered drones are tracking down fires in German forests
Inside a green orb planted in the German countryside is a high-tech aid to prevent wildfires that have grown more common and destructive with rising global temperatures. The installation, resembling a giant golf ball covered in solar panels, is the hangar for an AI-powered drone that its developer hopes one day will be able to sniff out and extinguish new blazes in minutes. "Fires are spreading much faster and more aggressively than in the past. That also means we have to react more quickly," Carsten Brinkschulte, the CEO of the German firm Dryad, told AFP at a demonstration of the technology outside Berlin. Once a rarity, the German capital has to get used to more wildfires. Flames ripped through a forest on the city's western edge in the midst of a 2022 heatwave that saw several wildfires spring up in Germany. The sort of tinderbox conditions which promote blazes -- where heat, drought and strong winds dry out the landscape -- have increased with climate change. READ ALSO: Germany says 2024 has been its hottest year on record Wildfires have reached the point where they were "basically unstoppable", said Lindon Pronto, senior wildfire management expert at the European Forest Institute. Advertisement That is why action is needed to develop tools to "address fire in the prevention phase, during the operational phase, and also post-fire", said Pronto. 'Prevent a disaster' Dryad is in the running with 29 other teams from around the globe for a multi-million-dollar prize to develop the ability to autonomously put out fires within 10 minutes. During Dryad's demonstration on Thursday -- the first for a computer-steered wildfire detection drone, according to the company -- chemicals in smoke from burning wood were picked up by sensors distributed in the forest. The signal was relayed back to the company's platform which released the drone from the orb. The unit rose above the trees, charting a zig-zag course to track down the precise location and extent of the fire. A drone of an AI-based drone system is pictured during a presentation of 'Silvaguard' the first autonomous, AI-based drone system by sensors technology company Dryad for early forest fire detection in Eberswalde. Photo: Ralf Hirschberger / AFP Firefighters using the information collected by the drone would be able "to respond much more efficiently and quickly and prevent a disaster", Brinkschulte said. Dryad eventually hopes to have the drone descend below the canopy and put out the fire using a novel technology: a "sonic cannon" blasting low-frequency sound waves at the right pressure to suppress small fires. An experimental acoustic suppression method, if it can be created, would save the drone from carrying "large amounts of heavy water", making the unit more nimble and effective, according to Brinkschulte. READ ALSO: Should you get Germany's extreme weather emergency warning app? 'Civilisation meets nature' Technologies like Dryad's are a step towards putting out fires "without putting people's lives in danger", said Pronto, a native of California, where recent wildfires have had a devastating impact. Huge blazes in Los Angeles in January killed 29 people, razed more than 10,000 homes and caused some $250 billion (€231 billion) in damage, according to estimates by the private meteorological firm AccuWeather. The greatest benefits of an autonomous fire prevention system would be in areas where "civilisation meets nature", Brinkschulte said. Such crossover zones are the most vulnerable to man-made wildfires, "where the risk to life and limb is naturally highest". Advertisement The company hopes to bring the drone to market in 2026, with the first deployment likely to be outside Europe. "These systems still need to have the regulatory framework to be able to operate commercially," Brinkschulte said, adding that Dryad was aiming for deployment in Europe in the "coming years". A couple of kinks need to be worked out before then, however. The first attempt to respond to the dummy fire last week was held up by a faulty GPS signal.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Close calls at airport, sweet spot for stress, world's most complicated watch: Catch up on the day's stories
Editor's Note: CNN's 5 Things newsletter is your one-stop shop for the latest headlines and fascinating stories to start and end your busy day. Sign up here. 👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Yes, of course too much stress is bad for your health and can cause a whole host of problems. But zero stress isn't good either. An expert explains how to find that sweet spot in between. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day: 1️⃣ Close calls: It's one of the country's busiest airports — and the site of numerous near accidents between helicopters and commercial jets. Senators recently grilled the Federal Aviation Administration on why this was the case at Reagan National and were told 'something was missed.' 2️⃣ 'Dental deserts': Hundreds of rural communities in the US face a one-two punch to oral health: a dire shortage of dentists and a lack of fluoridated drinking water. Experts worry this will lead to a surge of tooth decay for millions of Americans. 3️⃣ Bones and bombs: An estimated 240,000 people were killed or went missing in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. Eighty years later, the scars remain — and visitors are allowed to get up close and touch history on the Japanese island. 4️⃣ Ancient artifacts: Stone tools unearthed in southwest China helped a mysterious group eke out a living in a cold and harsh environment during the Stone Age tens of thousands of years ago. Researchers think Neanderthals may have made them. 5️⃣ A watch that wows: It tracks the sun's position in the sky. It chimes with the sound of hammers hitting four miniature gongs. It even tells you when certain stars will be visible from Earth. Take a look at the world's 'most complicated' wristwatch. 🔥 Fighting fires: A company in Germany is developing drones to detect and monitor wildfires. Dryad hopes that its AI-powered prototype will be able to help firefighters suppress blazes in their early stages. • Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs will go into effect immediately, White House says• 'It's a bloodbath': Massive wave of job cuts underway at US health agencies• Justice Department will seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione 📱 That's how many Americans use TikTok to find news, entertainment and community — and in some cases, make a living. That could all change, as the app faces a potential ban in the US. ❄️ 'Vail of the East': Niseko is known for its consistently high-quality snow, which makes it a popular skiing destination. Here's how this town on the Japanese island of Hokkaido became the powder capital of Asia — and maybe even the world. 💬 Student arrested: Rumeysa Ozturk, a PhD candidate at Tufts University in Massachusetts, was taken into custody by federal agents because of her visa. Video of the incident has sparked widespread outrage. 💍 Where do billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez plan to hold their highly anticipated wedding? A. AmsterdamB. Rio de JaneiroC. BangkokD. Venice⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 🌭 Feast for free: Road trip, anyone? Coastal Carolina University plans to offer complimentary hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and fountain drinks to 'elevate the game day experience' for college football fans next season. (And no, the school said this is not an April Fools' joke.) 👋 We'll see you tomorrow. 🧠 Quiz answer: D. The city of Venice confirmed their wedding will take place there in June.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. Today's 5 Things PM was edited by CNN's Kimberly Richardson and Morgan Severson.
CNN
01-04-2025
- General
- CNN
Close calls at airport, sweet spot for stress, world's most complicated watch: Catch up on the day's stories
Editor's Note: CNN's 5 Things newsletter is your one-stop shop for the latest headlines and fascinating stories to start and end your busy day. Sign up here. 👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Yes, of course too much stress is bad for your health and can cause a whole host of problems. But zero stress isn't good either. An expert explains how to find that sweet spot in between. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day: 1️⃣ Close calls: It's one of the country's busiest airports — and the site of numerous near accidents between helicopters and commercial jets. Senators recently grilled the Federal Aviation Administration on why this was the case at Reagan National and were told 'something was missed.' 2️⃣ 'Dental deserts': Hundreds of rural communities in the US face a one-two punch to oral health: a dire shortage of dentists and a lack of fluoridated drinking water. Experts worry this will lead to a surge of tooth decay for millions of Americans. 3️⃣ Bones and bombs: An estimated 240,000 people were killed or went missing in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. Eighty years later, the scars remain — and visitors are allowed to get up close and touch history on the Japanese island. 4️⃣ Ancient artifacts: Stone tools unearthed in southwest China helped a mysterious group eke out a living in a cold and harsh environment during the Stone Age tens of thousands of years ago. Researchers think Neanderthals may have made them. 5️⃣ A watch that wows: It tracks the sun's position in the sky. It chimes with the sound of hammers hitting four miniature gongs. It even tells you when certain stars will be visible from Earth. Take a look at the world's 'most complicated' wristwatch. 🔥 Fighting fires: A company in Germany is developing drones to detect and monitor wildfires. Dryad hopes that its AI-powered prototype will be able to help firefighters suppress blazes in their early stages. • Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs will go into effect immediately, White House says• 'It's a bloodbath': Massive wave of job cuts underway at US health agencies• Justice Department will seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione 📱 That's how many Americans use TikTok to find news, entertainment and community — and in some cases, make a living. That could all change, as the app faces a potential ban in the US. ❄️ 'Vail of the East': Niseko is known for its consistently high-quality snow, which makes it a popular skiing destination. Here's how this town on the Japanese island of Hokkaido became the powder capital of Asia — and maybe even the world. The fact that someone can just be disappeared into the abyss for voicing an idea is absolutely horrifying. Sam Wachman, attendee at rally 💬 Student arrested: Rumeysa Ozturk, a PhD candidate at Tufts University in Massachusetts, was taken into custody by federal agents because of her visa. Video of the incident has sparked widespread outrage. 💍 Where do billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez plan to hold their highly anticipated wedding?A. AmsterdamB. Rio de JaneiroC. BangkokD. Venice⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 🌭 Feast for free: Road trip, anyone? Coastal Carolina University plans to offer complimentary hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and fountain drinks to 'elevate the game day experience' for college football fans next season. (And no, the school said this is not an April Fools' joke.) 👋 We'll see you tomorrow.🧠 Quiz answer: D. The city of Venice confirmed their wedding will take place there in June.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. Today's 5 Things PM was edited by CNN's Kimberly Richardson and Morgan Severson.
CNN
01-04-2025
- General
- CNN
Close calls at airport, sweet spot for stress, world's most complicated watch: Catch up on the day's stories
Editor's Note: CNN's 5 Things newsletter is your one-stop shop for the latest headlines and fascinating stories to start and end your busy day. Sign up here. 👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Yes, of course too much stress is bad for your health and can cause a whole host of problems. But zero stress isn't good either. An expert explains how to find that sweet spot in between. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day: 1️⃣ Close calls: It's one of the country's busiest airports — and the site of numerous near accidents between helicopters and commercial jets. Senators recently grilled the Federal Aviation Administration on why this was the case at Reagan National and were told 'something was missed.' 2️⃣ 'Dental deserts': Hundreds of rural communities in the US face a one-two punch to oral health: a dire shortage of dentists and a lack of fluoridated drinking water. Experts worry this will lead to a surge of tooth decay for millions of Americans. 3️⃣ Bones and bombs: An estimated 240,000 people were killed or went missing in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. Eighty years later, the scars remain — and visitors are allowed to get up close and touch history on the Japanese island. 4️⃣ Ancient artifacts: Stone tools unearthed in southwest China helped a mysterious group eke out a living in a cold and harsh environment during the Stone Age tens of thousands of years ago. Researchers think Neanderthals may have made them. 5️⃣ A watch that wows: It tracks the sun's position in the sky. It chimes with the sound of hammers hitting four miniature gongs. It even tells you when certain stars will be visible from Earth. Take a look at the world's 'most complicated' wristwatch. 🔥 Fighting fires: A company in Germany is developing drones to detect and monitor wildfires. Dryad hopes that its AI-powered prototype will be able to help firefighters suppress blazes in their early stages. • Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs will go into effect immediately, White House says• 'It's a bloodbath': Massive wave of job cuts underway at US health agencies• Justice Department will seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione 📱 That's how many Americans use TikTok to find news, entertainment and community — and in some cases, make a living. That could all change, as the app faces a potential ban in the US. ❄️ 'Vail of the East': Niseko is known for its consistently high-quality snow, which makes it a popular skiing destination. Here's how this town on the Japanese island of Hokkaido became the powder capital of Asia — and maybe even the world. The fact that someone can just be disappeared into the abyss for voicing an idea is absolutely horrifying. Sam Wachman, attendee at rally 💬 Student arrested: Rumeysa Ozturk, a PhD candidate at Tufts University in Massachusetts, was taken into custody by federal agents because of her visa. Video of the incident has sparked widespread outrage. 💍 Where do billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez plan to hold their highly anticipated wedding?A. AmsterdamB. Rio de JaneiroC. BangkokD. Venice⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 🌭 Feast for free: Road trip, anyone? Coastal Carolina University plans to offer complimentary hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and fountain drinks to 'elevate the game day experience' for college football fans next season. (And no, the school said this is not an April Fools' joke.) 👋 We'll see you tomorrow.🧠 Quiz answer: D. The city of Venice confirmed their wedding will take place there in June.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. Today's 5 Things PM was edited by CNN's Kimberly Richardson and Morgan Severson.
CNN
01-04-2025
- General
- CNN
Close calls at airport, sweet spot for stress, world's most complicated watch: Catch up on the day's stories
Editor's Note: CNN's 5 Things newsletter is your one-stop shop for the latest headlines and fascinating stories to start and end your busy day. Sign up here. 👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Yes, of course too much stress is bad for your health and can cause a whole host of problems. But zero stress isn't good either. An expert explains how to find that sweet spot in between. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day: 1️⃣ Close calls: It's one of the country's busiest airports — and the site of numerous near accidents between helicopters and commercial jets. Senators recently grilled the Federal Aviation Administration on why this was the case at Reagan National and were told 'something was missed.' 2️⃣ 'Dental deserts': Hundreds of rural communities in the US face a one-two punch to oral health: a dire shortage of dentists and a lack of fluoridated drinking water. Experts worry this will lead to a surge of tooth decay for millions of Americans. 3️⃣ Bones and bombs: An estimated 240,000 people were killed or went missing in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. Eighty years later, the scars remain — and visitors are allowed to get up close and touch history on the Japanese island. 4️⃣ Ancient artifacts: Stone tools unearthed in southwest China helped a mysterious group eke out a living in a cold and harsh environment during the Stone Age tens of thousands of years ago. Researchers think Neanderthals may have made them. 5️⃣ A watch that wows: It tracks the sun's position in the sky. It chimes with the sound of hammers hitting four miniature gongs. It even tells you when certain stars will be visible from Earth. Take a look at the world's 'most complicated' wristwatch. 🔥 Fighting fires: A company in Germany is developing drones to detect and monitor wildfires. Dryad hopes that its AI-powered prototype will be able to help firefighters suppress blazes in their early stages. • Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs will go into effect immediately, White House says• 'It's a bloodbath': Massive wave of job cuts underway at US health agencies• Justice Department will seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione 📱 That's how many Americans use TikTok to find news, entertainment and community — and in some cases, make a living. That could all change, as the app faces a potential ban in the US. ❄️ 'Vail of the East': Niseko is known for its consistently high-quality snow, which makes it a popular skiing destination. Here's how this town on the Japanese island of Hokkaido became the powder capital of Asia — and maybe even the world. The fact that someone can just be disappeared into the abyss for voicing an idea is absolutely horrifying. Sam Wachman, attendee at rally 💬 Student arrested: Rumeysa Ozturk, a PhD candidate at Tufts University in Massachusetts, was taken into custody by federal agents because of her visa. Video of the incident has sparked widespread outrage. 💍 Where do billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez plan to hold their highly anticipated wedding?A. AmsterdamB. Rio de JaneiroC. BangkokD. Venice⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 🌭 Feast for free: Road trip, anyone? Coastal Carolina University plans to offer complimentary hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and fountain drinks to 'elevate the game day experience' for college football fans next season. (And no, the school said this is not an April Fools' joke.) 👋 We'll see you tomorrow.🧠 Quiz answer: D. The city of Venice confirmed their wedding will take place there in June.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. Today's 5 Things PM was edited by CNN's Kimberly Richardson and Morgan Severson.
