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Two British schoolboys whose new weather technology had NASA knocking on their door have described how “absolutely” it feels to see their invention used around the world.
Thenuk Rodrigo and Simba Shi, 17-year-olds from Eton College, founded the ecosystem ReefSound last summer, aiming to use AI analysis of sound recordings to change coral protection practices.
More than a year later, the initiative has attracted the interest of NASA officials and is being documented by conservation organizations for use in seven countries.
To talk to IndependentThenuk and Simba recalled the “very strange” moment a Space Center Houston employee approached the group – which included 17-year-old Chinese student Bonnie Liu – to ask for permission to fly a manned vehicle under control. underwater vehicle (ROV). and exploring coral reefs.
Although Space Center Houston did not follow through on the deal, Thenuk said “it was very surprising to see some kind of interest from the beginning”.
Working late into the night after school, the team developed an AI model to analyze sound recordings from a coral reef, which claims to be 60% cheaper and five times cheaper than research the latest diver and satellite image analysis techniques.
Their technology has taken records this year for coral conservation organizations in Malaysia and the Mexican island of Cozumel, and discussions are ongoing with organizations from the US, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and the Maldives to use the products.
“It’s really encouraging to see them,” said Thenuk. “I can’t even explain how exciting and inspiring it is to see the technology that you spend a year continuing to help people, countries around the world and benefit people.
It’s an amazing feeling. We want to see ReefSound used in every coral reef around the world,” he added.
Thenuk and Simba first discussed coral reefs when they were neighbors in their college dorm.
Simba recalled: “I remember when we first started making plans, I went into Thenuk’s room and we talked about it, and we were like, it’s great.
“I love how close-knit our community is, and how we can work together.”
Their desire to deal with the protection of coral reefs started when they read books and watched documentaries on the subject, and they began to understand “how big the problem is”, said Simba.
After learning that healthy coral reefs sound different from damaged ones, Thenuk and Simba decided that using AI modeling would save time and money for conservation agencies. corals.
The ReefSound team has developed an AI model that assesses coral health with 99.4% accuracy.
With a potentially dangerous invention under their belt, Thenuk, Simba and Bonnie took their project to a high school team competition run by Space Center Houston – the Conrad Challenge – and placed first of Britain to conquer.
After this, a year in Britain 13 students won scholarships worth $298,000 from US universities but they are yet to decide on their future.
Thenuk said it was an “amazing opportunity” and “very overwhelming” to see how far the startup has come in just over a year. And their desire is increasing.
“We want to have a product suitable for use by governments in large numbers. So, in the next few months, we hope to start working with governments. I think that would be amazing,” Thenuk said.
Both Thenuk and Simba studied A-levels in maths, advanced maths, physics and computer science, “it took a lot of work” to balance creativity and education.
Thenuk said “it’s easy to do” when they see their project helping people around the world.
“It’s not really difficult for us to work every night on this, when you see it having an effect now, when you see it being used around the world.”
Simba also said: “We have a great passion for environmental projects, especially using technology. We do this every day, and we are very excited about the future.”
Thenuk and Simba, who will continue to develop ReefSound and try to implement the technology around the world, say that their dream is to continue their work in technology and climate.
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