Summary
A teenager named Franco Rodriguez Viau from Argentina developed an AI-powered wildfire detection platform called Satellites on Fire. This system is used in 19 countries to help prevent wildfires from becoming uncontrollable. His innovations were motivated by witnessing devastating wildfires in his hometown.
Key Facts
- Franco Rodriguez Viau is from Argentina and started working on his project at age 16.
- He created Satellites on Fire, an AI tool that helps detect and predict wildfires.
- The platform has been used in 19 countries to prevent fires from getting out of control.
- Viau was inspired to act after witnessing wildfires in his hometown that burned over 60,000 hectares and claimed two lives.
- The system uses data from more than eight satellites and combines it with AI models and real-time simulations.
- This technology provides first responders with predictive modeling on how wildfires might spread, helping them respond more effectively.
- At first, experts dismissed the idea, but Viau continued to refine the system with the help of fellow teenagers.
- Satellites on Fire sends alerts and information to first responders on platforms like WhatsApp.