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Currently, wildfire detection systems primarily use CCTV, drones, and helicopters. However, CCTV requires a stable power supply, limiting installation locations, and drones and helicopters have limited flight times. There are also blind spots and limitations such as a shortage of operational personnel.

Fernearth is developing a 'wildfire early detection system' that addresses the shortcomings of existing wildfire detection systems. The wildfire early detection system detects temperature changes using thermoelectric semiconductors with low power consumption and transmits signals via low-power Internet of Things (IoT) communication modules. By utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to identify and monitor areas with a high risk of wildfires, it enables efficient wildfire monitoring while reducing costs. Fernearth has completed prototype development and is currently conducting technology demonstrations in collaboration with local governments.

An interview was conducted with Jo Yong-jun, CEO of Fernearth, to discuss Fernearth and the wildfire early detection system.


Founded to Solve Wildfire Disaster Issues

IT Donga: Hello, CEO Jo Yong-jun. Please introduce yourself first.

Jo Yong-jun: Hello, I am Jo Yong-jun from Fernearth. I majored in Chemical and Biological Engineering and Life Sciences at Sogang University and participated in industry-academia research projects and predictive analysis AI development in the Chemical and Biological Engineering Laboratory. Seeing the growing attention on AI, I developed my skills and obtained a patent related to application AI algorithms. In 2022, I won the grand prize in the AI-based CCTV idea for wildfire disaster safety in the '2022 Challenge Korea Idea Contest,' a public participation social problem-solving project organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Fernearth was founded in July 2024.

IT Donga: What motivated you to start Fernearth?

Jo Yong-jun: We hear news of wildfire disasters every year, and the damage is significant. I wondered why wildfires, which occur so frequently, cannot be prevented.

Upon investigation, I found that the current wildfire detection systems mainly use CCTV, drones, and helicopters, each with their drawbacks and limitations. CCTV has limited installation locations due to the need for a stable power supply, has high data processing requirements, and incurs high installation and maintenance costs. Drones and helicopters face flight time limitations and weather constraints, making 24-hour monitoring difficult.

Seeing this information, I thought I could solve it with the technology and knowledge I had. Therefore, I applied for the 'Public Technology Startup Commercialization Support Project' in 2024 and founded Fernearth through this project.

IT Donga: Please introduce Fernearth.

Jo Yong-jun: We are developing a wildfire early detection system that can address all the shortcomings of existing wildfire detection systems. Fernearth is a compound word from the German 'fern,' meaning 'far away,' and the English word 'earth,' meaning 'to see the earth from afar' or 'to think about the future of the earth.'


Solving Existing System Problems with Thermoelectric, IoT, and AI Technologies

IT Donga: What are the features of Fernearth's wildfire early detection system? How does it address the shortcomings of existing systems?

Jo Yong-jun: The wildfire early detection system monitors the occurrence of wildfires 24 hours a day through changes in ambient temperature. It consists of a detector that senses ambient temperature and sends signals to a repeater, a repeater that transmits signals further, and a monitoring system that identifies areas at risk of wildfires and confirms wildfire occurrences.

The detector senses temperature changes using thermoelectric semiconductors. Thermoelectric semiconductors generate electricity when there is a temperature difference. Existing wildfire detection systems mainly use temperature sensors, which require continuous power supply for 24-hour operation. However, mountainous areas have difficulty in power supply, necessitating an efficient low-power system. To overcome this limitation, we use thermoelectric semiconductors that accurately detect temperature changes without additional power supply.

We also use low-power IoT communication modules to transmit signals. They are designed to transmit data signals stably while consuming minimal power. We have enhanced our technology by acquiring a patent from Seoul National University of Science and Technology for an algorithm that improves the stability and security of communication modules.

AI technology is used to identify locations for installing detectors and repeaters. By selectively installing in areas with a high risk of wildfires, we can reduce costs while ensuring efficient wildfire monitoring. AI technology is also applied to the monitoring system, which measures and analyzes wildfire risks in real-time.

Through thermoelectric, IoT, and AI technologies, we address the high power consumption, equipment installation constraints, communication instability, blind spots, and personnel operation issues of existing wildfire detection systems. It enables cost-effective 24-hour unmanned monitoring and can monitor areas deep in the mountains or difficult for people to access.


Prototype Development Completed, Technology Demonstration Underway

IT Donga: What is the development stage of the wildfire early detection system?

Jo Yong-jun: We completed prototype development at the end of 2024. We verified its performance and accuracy through internal testing. We are now conducting technology demonstrations by installing it in actual terrains and enhancing signal stability. Through various support programs, we are conducting technology demonstrations in mountainous parks and forest areas operated by local governments. Once the technology demonstration is complete, we plan to expand it to more local governments and public institutions.

IT Donga: You are currently receiving support from the Hongneung Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Special Zone. What kind of support have you received?

Jo Yong-jun: We were selected as a supported company by the Hongneung Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Special Zone in the first half of this year, receiving support such as office space, a shooting studio, and a video conference room necessary for business activities. The Hongneung Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Special Zone also continuously provides information on various educational programs and government and institutional support programs and offers media promotion opportunities. We have received significant assistance in our startup activities.


IT Donga: Please tell us about your future plans and goals.

Jo Yong-jun: We are preparing for functional expansion. We have been selected for the 'Coexistence-type Venture Support Project' led by Korea Electric Power Technology, and we are developing a 'next-generation on-device AI-based smart sensor web.' It is an on-device AI module that comprehensively detects and judges various elements such as temperature, humidity, and volatile organic compounds (VOC). We plan to enhance this technology into a solution that can be applied to more fields beyond wildfires by measuring various elements.

Furthermore, we plan to expand cooperation with the government, local governments, and public institutions to establish a wildfire prevention and response system that aligns with public interests and expand the ecosystem through continuous technology exchange and cooperation with related industries. Through continuous research and development and technological advancement, we aim to secure a solid technological advantage in the field of forest protection and management and grow into a company that can enter the global wildfire detection market.

IT Donga Reporter Han Man-hyuk (mh@itdonga.com)

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