Helia

Helia is a versatile tethered aerostat permanently flying at high altitude, embedding AI for real time alert of hazards with full autonomy.

Wildfires, an increasing problem worldwide causing immense damage, is the first use case proposed, reducing the time taken to detect wild-fires, thus allowing a far more rapid response by firefighters. Helia will be deployed in vulnerable areas, constantly monitoring for fire from its advantageous high altitude position. Helia will then allow monitoring the fire restart danger.

Moreover, Helia is very versatile, being able to monitor various risks at the same time in areas such as national parks, cities or littoral areas, where there can be multiple potential problems requiring immediate response. It could also be a rapidly deployed backup solution to provide protective surveillance over critical infrastructure.

Progress since September 2022:

1. Helia baseline design is validated and parts are purchased.
2. First tests of smoke detection have been made with videos and pictures of the local area.
3. A Helia model (with reduced capability) out of the SecurIT development plan, has been manufactured to be exhibited in Cannes during the World AI Cannes Festival, allowing the team to perform preliminary integration tests.
4. The final demonstration took place on 30 May at the C2RD site in Pourrières and successfully validated the project. Helia is thus the first Open Call #1 project to be completed. Congratulations to the partners !

See project poster