Innovating for impact: How smart sensors and AI are transforming disaster management

When disaster strikes, every minute counts. Floods, bushfires, and severe storms can overwhelm communities and emergency responders, and the tools we rely on to monitor these events are not always fast or precise enough. 

In 2023, the Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) in collaboration with the NSW Smart Sensing Network, co-hosted the CIN’s inaugural Regional Connectivity Symposium at Southern Cross University, Lismore, which was based on the theme of ‘Sensing for Disasters’.

The knowledge and insights shared at the Symposium contributed to the resulting joint call for proposals for disaster sensing solutions.

The call for proposals resulted in the funding of three pioneering sensing projects spanning fundamental research, through to R&D.

These projects utilise artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) for improved hazard and disaster detection.

Together, these projects are tackling some of the toughest challenges in disaster resilience: filling the gaps in real-time monitoring, improving accuracy, and making technologies more accessible and scalable. 

When floods strike — like those which hit Brisbane (pictured) in 2011 and 2022 — every minute counts, and fast, accurate sensing is critical to protect communities and support emergency responders. Credit: AdobeStock

Three projects with one mission 

The initiative supports: 

  • Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) for Disaster Monitoring.  

Fundamental Research Project  

Led by University of New South Wales, this project is exploring how next-generation mobile signals can be used for both communication and environmental sensing, offering new ways to detect hazards. 

  • AI-Enhanced Geospatial Sensing for Disaster Management.  

Fundamental Research Project 

Led by the University of Sydney with University of Technology Sydney and Pivotel Satellite, this project applies advanced AI to geospatial data, helping predict and track disasters with greater precision.  

  • A Novel Wireless Rain Gauge.  

R&D Project  

Led by University of Technology Sydney, this project is developing a world-first sensor that uses existing mobile signals to measure rainfall in real time, improving flood forecasting and warning systems. 

Dr Kai Wu presenting his research on the Novel Wireless Rain Gauge at the Stage 1 presentions at UTS. Credit: CIN

From concept to progress 

The projects reached their  Stage 1 milestone in August, when research teams presented their early findings and prototypes.

Stage 2 and final presentations will follow in December, where the focus will shift to field testing and real-world applications. 

Follow CIN’s LinkedIn page for updates on upcoming presentation dates and outcomes. 

Building momentum beyond disasters 

The Sensing for Disasters Solutions initiative is part of a wider effort by CIN to connect industry, researchers, and government around critical connectivity challenges. Coming up next is CIN’s flagship event, the Annual Australian Beyond 5G Connectivity Summit, held in Sydney this November. The two-day summit will bring together experts from around the world to explore breakthroughs in 5G and 6G, integrated sensing, and future connectivity solutions. 

Date: 4–5 November 2025 
Location: Aerial Function Centre, University of Technology Sydney  

More information and tickets available here.

Diane Nazaroff