Background:
The RESCUE-MATE project focuses on the scenario of a storm surge of more than 7 meters above mean sea level in Hamburg. As a result, large parts of the port and nearby densely populated neighborhoods will be flooded. This scenario requires the coordination of numerous government agencies, emergency response organizations, and citizens to cordon off, evacuate, and monitor and secure port facilities and dikes.

Since limited information is typically available at the onset of a major storm surge, all available relevant data sources must be integrated. This includes: all data collected by emergency responders via emergency call centers and in the field; data from local sensors (such as traffic cameras, terminal cameras, and environmental sensors); all situational information from existing systems; and data and tips from citizens on social networks. Bringing all this information together allows for a comprehensive assessment of the situation and the actions to be taken, resulting in more efficient and effective assistance. For this purpose, the project develops the RESCUE-MATE AI and data platform to integrate, analyze and prepare available information. Smart sensors for infrastructure monitoring, social media analysis and (partly) autonomous drones are used. The platform provides the basis for XR applications, situation simulations, optimized traffic management and helps to raise awareness in civil society.

The THW uses its extensive operational experience and formulates its needs and requirements for such an application together with other partners. Data sources already available in the field are integrated into the software solution. In iterative loops, the developed solutions are tested and evaluated in practice to ensure that they can be integrated into operational processes and to guarantee further development in line with requirements.

Objectives:
The goal of the project is to automate, accelerate, and enrich the flow of information between government agencies and emergency response organizations. The most automated way to do this is to collect, analyze, and prepare relevant information for different audiences. For effective information exchange, the project develops an open, decentralized and secure AI and data platform for situation and decision support.

Project website link.

Project duration: 01/10/2023 – 30/09/2027

Project partner:

Funded Partners:
Behörde für Inneres und Sport Hamburg, Absolute Software, Bundesanstalt Technisches Hilfswerk, Eurocommand, HafenCity Universität Hamburg, Hamburg Port Authority, Hanseatic Aviation Solution GmbH, Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hamburg, Hamburg Informatik Technologie-Center, Landesbetrieb Straßen, Brücken, Gewässer, Universität Hamburg

Associated Partners:
Hamburger Artificial Intelligence Center, Bezirksamt Hamburg-Mitte, Bundesrettungshundestaffel Hamburg & Harburg e.V., Deutsche Telekom AG, Deutsche Lebensrettungsgesellschaft, Deutsche Rote Kreuz, Esri Deutschland GmbH, Freiwillige Feuerwehr Pinneberg, Hamburg Aviation, Innovations Kontaktstelle Hamburg, Landesbetrieb Geoinformation und Vermessung, Lufthansa Industry Solutions, New Mobility Solutions Hamburg GmbH, Stadtreinigung Hamburg, UAM-InnoRegion-SH

Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Funding ID 13N16838.