Infineon, GMD deploy radar sensors for Alps hazard detection

In collaboration with Infineon Technologies AG, startup Geomorphing Detection (GMD^®) has developed a system that uses radar sensors to continuously monitor streams and rock movements in the Alps. The innovation has the potential to reduce the impact of extreme weather and climate-related events and protect people and infrastructure.

Natural hazards such as floods, landslides and high tides are on the rise worldwide. In Europe alone, weather- and climate-related events have caused more than 160 billion euros in damage over the past three years, according to a study by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The earlier natural hazards can be detected, the sooner damage to people and infrastructure can be averted.

Digital protection network
In cooperation with Infineon, the Austrian startup company GMD from Innsbruck/Tyrol has developed an efficient, digital early warning system for monitoring Alpine rivers and areas. The development is based on intelligent PSoC™ 6 microcontrollers and Infineon's Deepcraft™ Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. The system continuously measures important parameters such as water level or flow velocity and detects deformations or dangerous impacts in protective structures such as rockfall nets or avalanche barriers.

"Semiconductor solutions from Infineon are the digital heart of the Internet of Things," says Thomas Rosteck, Division President Connected Secure Systems at Infineon. "Our high-performance microcontrollers not only impress with their first-class features, but also with their wide range of possible applications. We are especially pleased when our solutions can help to save lives, as in this specific case. The easy integration of our microcontrollers into existing systems, their low energy consumption and their high level of safety make it easier for start-ups and developers to implement forward-looking ideas like this."

Detecting and eliminating obstacles with foresight
In the system, radar technology from Infineon reliably captures data - even in poor lighting and weather conditions - and provides information about the distance, speed and direction of movement of objects. The intelligent AI-based Infineon microcontrollers then process the large amounts of data quickly and precisely. This creates a powerful and efficient system that detects dangers, threats or risks at an early stage in order to remove obstacles and prevent flooding. Thanks to integrated photovoltaics, the intelligent sensor network is also completely energy self-sufficient.

Pilot projects in the Alps
In Austria, the system is already being implemented with the city of Kufstein, the state of Tyrol and other municipalities. The aim is to use monitoring to detect blockages in watercourses at an early stage. GMD is also testing the system to record visitor flows at the Prager Alpenhütte in the Hohe Tauern National Park in cooperation with the German Alpine Association (DAV). From July onwards the system will be used to count people on high alpine hiking trails. The more precise recording of visitor flows is intended to improve the water management of the huts and adapt the infrastructure specifically to usage.

Infineon Startup Co-Innovation Program
The global Infineon Startup Co-Innovation Program is a real springboard for many startups. Infineon takes on the role of co-innovator and technology partner and provides the latest components in the fields of energy efficiency, mobility, security, IoT and big data.

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