NVIDIA and Bridge to Türkiye Fund Support AI and Robotics Projects to Enhance Disaster Preparedness and Response

Since a 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated Syria and Türkiye two years ago, causing 55,000 deaths, 130,000 injuries, and displacing millions, students, researchers, and developers in Türkiye have been leveraging advanced AI and robotics technologies to enhance disaster preparedness. This initiative is part of the Disaster Response Innovation and Education Grant by NVIDIA, in partnership with Bridge to Türkiye Fund, a nonprofit organization focusing on education and sustainability in underserved Turkish communities. The grant included 100 free NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kits and $50,000 in funding distributed among eight recipients. One significant outcome is the development of a modular unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) at Ankara University. Equipped with a thermal camera, an RGB-D camera, and an NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit, this small, robust UGV can scan post-disaster environments in 3D and detect thermal activity. The system allows users to safely identify survivors from a distance, reducing risks in hazardous areas. Associate Professor Mehmet Cem Çatalbaş noted that the UGV’s AI computing power significantly accelerated their R&D process, transforming a novel idea into a practical, life-saving solution. At Hacettepe University, the computer engineering department has integrated NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit projects into two courses, teaching more than a dozen students to build small mobile robots known as "Duckiebots." These robots are trained in simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), a technique essential for robots navigating unknown environments. SLAM, sensor integration, and autonomous navigation enable these robots to assess situations in collapsed buildings or fires, aiding search and rescue efforts. Through these courses, students gained hands-on experience simulating potential paths and operating the Duckiebots. Bilkent University researchers developed a portable mini supercomputer cluster using NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kits to perform rapid metagenomic analysis. This analysis is crucial for identifying pathogen contamination in water and food sources after disasters, preventing disease outbreaks. The cluster's portability allows it to be deployed on-site in disaster-stricken areas, streamlining the identification process. The team utilized the open-source CuCLARK library for metagenomic classification, achieving fast and accurate DNA screening. The Izmir Institute of Technology enhanced its educational offerings by integrating NVIDIA Jetson Nano devices, CUDA, and teaching kits from the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute. Nearly 80 undergraduate students in computer engineering learned the basics of AI, accelerated computing, and robotics. Assistant Professor Işıl Öz expanded their heterogeneous parallel programming course to include a hands-on deep learning project, making complex concepts more accessible and engaging. The effectiveness of this approach will be presented at the upcoming IEEE International Parallel and Distributed Processing Symposium in a paper titled, "Teaching Accelerated Computing With Hands-on Experience." These projects demonstrate the collaborative efforts between NVIDIA, Bridge to Türkiye Fund, and Turkish universities to address critical needs in disaster management. The focus is on developing innovative solutions to improve response times, enhance safety, and reduce casualties in future disasters. The grant program has not only advanced technical skills but also instilled a sense of responsibility in the participants, aligning with the broader goal of fostering sustainable and resilient communities. Industry insiders laud the initiative for its multifaceted impact. By providing cutting-edge technology and financial support, NVIDIA and Bridge to Türkiye Fund have catalyzed significant advancements in AI and robotics, crucial for effective disaster response. The practical applications of these projects, such as the UGV for search and rescue and the portable mini supercomputers for pathogen screening, highlight the immediate benefits to affected populations. Additionally, the educational component equips students with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to future technological innovations, enhancing the region's disaster readiness and resilience. NVIDIA, a global leader in AI and graphics processing, has a longstanding commitment to community engagement and disaster relief. The company’s contributions, including employee donations and company matching, amount to over $1.9 million in support for earthquake victims. The Bridge to Türkiye Fund, focused on education and sustainability, complements this support by channeling resources where they are most needed, ensuring a holistic approach to disaster mitigation and recovery.