EPD leveraging AI dog to trace air pollution sources

An AI robotic dog that can identify the properties of unknown gases and search for pollution sources was introduced by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to aid in the probe of air pollution incidents.

Equipped with advanced computer vision and gaseous sensors, the “AI Environmental Air Nuisance Investigation Robot Dog” can infer the origins and activities causing such pollutants. The smart device will raise its paw to indicate the presence of gas and guide EPD officers to the source of pollution.

The AI dog has already proven its worth, assisting the EPD in solving a mystery behind an air pollution case in the Yuen Long Industrial Estate on its first mission. The inspector simply followed the direction indicated by the dog, leading to the discovery of the pollution source.

EPD hoped that the robot dog could replace human investigators when it comes to entering dangerous and enclosed spaces during pollution investigations, as well as enhancing the efficiency of the investigations and the safety of the inspectors.

Excitingly, the authorities are not stopping at the current capabilities of the AI dog. They are actively working on developing it further, teaching it to distinguish more smells. This includes odors from farms, cooking oil in alleys, and those coming from waterways that may affect citizens.