News

A research team from Walailak University has successfully developed a low-cost, real-time landslide early warning network powered by cutting-edge AIoT technology, designed to remain operational even during power outages or internet disruptions. The innovation aims to enhance disaster preparedness for residents in high-risk areas of Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, particularly during the annual monsoon season.

The project was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ajalawit Chantaveerod from the School of Engineering and Technology, together with Asst. Prof. Dr. MD Eshrat E. Alahi, Asst. Prof. Korakot Suwannarat, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Jantira Rattanarat from the School of Science, with support from the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC).

 

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ajalawit Chantaveerod, head of the research project, the areas of Theppharat and Si Khit in Sichon District have long been classified as high-risk zones prone to recurring landslides, affecting more than 1,000 households. Traditional monitoring systems often lack accuracy and timely responsiveness, resulting in delayed emergency action.

To address these challenges, the team developed a proactive disaster management system using AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things), which integrates IoT sensor devices with AI-driven data analysis. This enables precise, timely detection and warnings, significantly reducing potential loss of life and property.

The system operates through a dual-layer communication structure to ensure uninterrupted alerts under all circumstances. Under normal conditions, data from five solar-powered sensor nodes is transmitted via a gateway for AI-based risk assessment, with alerts delivered instantly through the LINE application and a web-based dashboard. During emergencies—such as power outages or internet failure—a LoRaWAN backup communication network automatically sends alerts directly to system administrators, who then disseminate warnings to local residents via radio communication.

All gateway devices and sensor nodes are powered by solar energy, allowing continuous 24-hour operation. The sensor nodes are strategically installed in high-risk areas and equipped to measure vibrations, soil moisture, rainfall levels, and ground tilt, along with GPS capability and onboard data storage for maximum reliability.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre and the Information Society Innovation Fund for their research funding, as well as to our dedicated research assistants whose contributions were vital to the success of this project,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ajalawit Chantaveerod added.

 

  





 

News by Chonthicha Limpiti, Division of Corporate Communication
Translated by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication
Photos Courtesy of WU School of Engineering and Technology, Si Khit Subdistrict Administrative Organization and Theppharat Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province