Amazon Web Services (AWS) has partnered with the HALO Trust, a landmine clearance organisation, to use AI and machine learning to clear explosives in Ukraine.

AWS has offered the organisation $4 million in support to allow HALO to trial AI to assist in the process of detecting debris of war in drone imagery for existing minefields in Ukraine.

The partnership will automate how HALO uses satellite imagery to detect buildings damaged by explosives as well as signs of human activity. This allows HALO to determine what buildings and services, such as roads and bodies of water, are near battle grounds, and allow HALO to prioritise certain areas for clearance.

HALO has flown around 540 drone Ukraine’s minefields. HALO said it expects this pilot project will begin trialling drone imagery analysis using AI in the coming months.

The support provided to the HALO Trust by AWS includes credits that enable HALO to use AWS cloud computing infrastructure globally and train staff in its use. HALO said it has more than 1,200 field data collectors globally across 30 countries and territories who need to upload and safely store a vast quantity of data each day. This includes photos, spatial, and non-spatial data. This is often collected in minefields with little-to-no connectivity

“We’re delighted to be supporting the HALO Trust in their brilliant work in clearing landmines and other explosive devices left behind by conflicts around the world,” said Dave Levy, vice president for worldwide public sector at AWS.

“Technology, and in this case, AI specifically, has enormous potential to help solve major global challenges, and we’re looking forward to working with HALO by enabling them to better harness the power of the satellite and drone imagery they are collecting to accelerate the clearing process.”

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