MTIC by MIRDC has developed a multi-modal AI-assisted UAV system for real-time drowning detection in open-water environments.

Built on a multi-rotor UAV platform under 15 kg, the system integrates visual, thermal, distance sensing, and geolocation capabilities to support search-and-rescue operations in rivers and coastal areas.

The AI detection model was trained on 7,103 images collected from real human subjects simulating four drowning scenarios.

The system achieved 98% detection accuracy, demonstrating reliable performance under challenging conditions, including low illumination, water reflections, complex backgrounds, and low-contrast targets such as dark-clothed victims.

Through UAV technology and AI image recognition, MTIC continues to strengthen real-time aquatic SAR capabilities and support faster, smarter emergency response.

Full paper available link: Research on Real-Time Drowning Detection in Open Water Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Artificial Intelligence Image Recognition


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