Austrian start-up Geomorphing Detection (GMD) is using radar sensors to monitor continuously streams and rock movements in the Alps.

Built in collaboration with Infineon Technologies, 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 €160bn in damage over the past three years, according to a study by the European Environment Agency (www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/indicators/economic-losses-from-climate-related). The earlier natural hazards can be detected, the sooner damage to people and infrastructure can be averted.

The digital early warning system for monitoring Alpine rivers and areas is based on Infineon’s intelligent PSoC 6 microcontrollers and Deepcraft 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.

“Semiconductors from Infineon are the digital heart of the internet of things,” said Thomas Rosteck from Infineon (www.infineon.com). “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 we 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.”

In the system, radar technology from Infineon 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 microcontrollers then process the large amounts of data quickly and precisely. This creates a system that detects dangers, threats or risks at an early stage to remove obstacles and prevent flooding. Thanks to integrated photovoltaics, the intelligent sensor network is also completely energy self-sufficient.

“We are delighted to be working with Infineon, a leading international semiconductor company,” said Steve Weingarth, CEO of GMD (www.gmd.care). “In combination with our analytics platform, we can offer energy-efficient and cost-effective early warning systems. Since the beginning of our partnership as part of the Infineon Startup Challenge 2024, we have received great support and can already use the system in pilot projects.”

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.