EU-Funded Project SlopeGuard preparing to launch AI-Based Solution for Landslide Monitoring

With funding from the EU project SecurIT, Italian environmental monitoring manufacturers TechCom and Irish machine learning company Gemmo AI are combining bespoke sensing hardware with AI algorithms to protect lives against landslides. Their joint efforts will result in improved detection and alert systems for small-scale landslides known as SlopeGuard.

Landslides are more widespread than any other geological event.18,000 lives have been claimed by landslides and affected over 4.8 million people in the last decade. They’ve caused billions of euros in damages to communication and transportation infrastructures. Despite the urgent need for effective landslide monitoring solutions, many European countries lack the necessary resources and funds to monitor the most dangerous landslide sites.

TechCom CEO Federico Ceccarelli stated that monitoring and creating a predictive alarm system for shallow and small-scale landslides could save thousands of lives and protect hundreds of communities. 

“The traditional solutions we’ve been using up until now are falling short. Satellite techniques, while effective for some landslides, are unable to detect shallow landslides due to their rapid dynamics and limited frequency of site views. Geotechnical approaches using borehole inclinometers are expensive, complex, and time-consuming. We knew we needed something more advanced and cost-effective. That’s where Slopeguard comes in”

SlopeGuard stands out from existing solutions by providing early detection of shallow landslides. The system comprises an integrated rod-shaped monitoring station that can be easily inserted into the core of a landslide.

Equipped with a range of sensors, SlopeGuard continuously monitors slope movements and employs a machine-learning algorithm to generate 24/7 early warnings of landslides. This advanced technology allows for better identification of high-risk areas, cost-effective deployment, and timely decision-making to minimise the impact of landslides.

“With climate change and rapid urbanisation identified as key contributing factors to the rise in landslide incidents, securing resources to safeguard critical infrastructure remains a challenge. The market is in direct need of scalable, cost-effective devices that can be readily deployed. With AI integration, Slopeguard is highly accurate, reliable and cost-effective. We think it’s the logical next step to saving lives and billions of euros in damages to communication and transportation infrastructure inflicted by landslides.”  

SlopeGuard has a major advantage in terms of cost reduction. Its installation requirements are minimal, as the sensors are mounted at the bottom of the device. This proximity to the sliding plane core significantly lowers costs compared to other solutions that rely on borehole inclinometers.

Gemmo AI and TechCom anticipate completing the Slopeguard project in August of this year, with plans to launch the product initially in Italy. The companies aim to diversify into wider Europe and North America, tapping into a rapidly growing and largely unexplored €50 billion market.

SlopeGuard represents a crucial step forward in landslide monitoring technology, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities worldwide. Gemmo and TechCom are dedicated to making a difference in emergency monitoring and saving lives.

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