CATHERINE W GICHUKI

DOHA THE QU Wireless Innovations Center (QUWIC) officially launched an innovative air quality monitoring system (HAWA’AK) with the commencement of a field trial at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) in the Education City on Monday. The system has sensor stations that will allow delivery of localised and personalised information on air quality. This was announced at a joint ceremony of QUWIC and the Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Directorate of Qatar Foundation.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Executive Director of QUWIC Dr Adnan Abu –Dayya said that the HAWA’AK will be able to monitor the air quality and other environmental conditions. He said the system could be used by enterprises and government agencies.

According to him, there are four sensors already deployed at the Education City including one at QSTP. The system will allow users to access information through innovative applications which can be accessed through many channels including mobile delivery, web, SMS, and Voice interaction.

“Taking care of the environment is part of Qatar National Vision 2030 and today it has moved one step forward towards realising that vision,” he said.

The field trials at the Education City campus include the deployment of multiple-sensors with different functions. The data collected by the sensors is collected wirelessly and processed by QUWIC’s Intelligent Sensing and M2M Services Platform (LabeebTM) that will provide air-quality information in real-time and store the data for further analysis and research. This information is accessed through innovative web and mobile applications as well as pre-defined alert mechanisms.

Abu Dayya further said, “With the launch of the HAWA’AK system and start of the field trial, our vision to create a state-of-the art and nextgeneration environment monitoring system and applications now gets one step closer to reality. We have enjoyed our partnership with the QF HSSE team and we look forward to working together to execute a successful field trial that will enrich the HAWA’AK system.” Commenting on the system, QF HSSE Manager Kelvin Murray said the HAWA’AK will be beneficial for Qatar and the region.

“The use of wireless technology constitutes an ability to be creative and very responsive to certain needs to be addressed in the area.” In a press release Abdulla al Modhaki, director of HSSE at QF said, “We are very happy to collaborate with QUWIC in trying out the HAWA’AK intelligent air quality monitoring system that will help QF experiment with monitoring air quality in real-time in designated areas on the Education City campus. QF HSSE believes in encouraging locally-built innovations and is proud to be part of this field trial exercise.”