The University of Queensland and Google’s philanthropic arm, Google.org, are partnering to develop a real-time bushfire hazard detection and warning system using artificial intelligence (AI). 

The technology is believed to be a world first and is led by UQ’s Professor Hamish McGowan, from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. 

Professor McGowan said the project planned to use AI to trace the movement of embers and deliver real-time ‘nowcasts’ [predictions of the near future] for extreme bushfire hazards.

“The goal of our work is ultimately to save lives, property and the environ