A group of English students have developed Pyri, a pineapple-shaped forest fire detector made of organic materials. It is inspired by“serotinous pineapples“, which release their seeds only in the presence of fire.
What is Pyri technology?
This system is designed to be deployed in forest areas by helicopters or ground personnel. The“Pyri technology” has a wax shell that melts when exposed to the heat of the fire, activating a salt water solution, which generates the energy needed to send a radio frequency signal.
This signal is transmitted to nearby telecommunication towers or dedicated receivers, where the location of the fire is triangulated. The information is then analyzed using artificial intelligence to predict the predict the risk and an alert is sent to local authorities and communities.
The team behind Pyri relied on extensive research and collaborated with wildfire, energy and RF experts to ensure the system’s effectiveness and viability. With the support of Hazelab of Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, they conducted laboratory tests to refine the design, ensuring that the device met range and durability requirements.
The forest fire detector
On the other hand, current IoT sensors and drones are complex and costly to maintain. Unlike Pyri technology, it is designed with environmentally friendly materials, avoiding the use of toxic components. In addition, the disintegration or end-of-life of the device generates minimal environmental impact.
The “Pyri” wins the James Dyson Award 2024. Source: James Dyson Foundation
The student team has applied for a patent for Pyri and is in the technical development phase to manufacture alpha units. Their plans include pilot testing in collaboration with national parks and private landowners.
The invention has been recognized with several awards, including the Sustainability Award at theCore77 Design Awards 20242 and the First Prize for Social Impact at Imperial College London’sVenture Catalyst Challenge.
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Source and photos: Royal College of Art
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