A groundbreaking initiative aims to transform air quality monitoring in South Africa by deploying tens of thousands of cost-effective, AI-powered devices across the country. The project, launched in June 2024, seeks to address the limitations of the current 130 big air quality measuring stations, which only measure air quality in their immediate vicinity.
The new system, dubbed Ai_r, utilizes dense networks of small sensors to measure air quality over
a wider area. These sensors, already rolled out in Johannesburg’s Soweto and Braamfontein, use laser technology to detect particulate matter 2.5, a key benchmark for air quality globally. The data is then transmitted to a cloud-based system every five minutes, enabling real-time monitoring and predictions.
Artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in analyzing the vast amounts of data generated, enabling predictions on the impact of weather changes on air quality and identifying hotspots of poor air quality. This information will inform strategies to mitigate air pollution in
affected areas, improving public health.
The project has received strong support from the government, the City of Johannesburg, and private organizations. The system is being integrated into the official South African air quality scores system, SAAQIS, and will become the largest cost-effective, automated air quality measurement system in Africa by the end of 2024.
Key Highlights
- 20 devices already rolled out in Soweto and Braamfontein, with 120
more to follow
- Partnerships with the University of the Witwatersrand, iThemba LABS, and Netcare hospitals
- Public dashboard available on the project’s website
- Government and City of Johannesburg support for further deployment
- Ai_r system measures particulate matter 2.5, a key benchmark for air quality globally