AI-driven environmental sensor networks and digital platforms for urban air pollution monitoring and modelling

Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) research have opened up new opportunities for leveraging AI research for societal impacts. AI research offers novel ways of tackling societal problems including environmental, health, and education challenges. Despite the potential, there are limited documented use cases and methodologies for translating AI research to societal impact at a large scale. This paper presents AirQo, an AI and advanced technology-driven use case for urban environmental pollution monitoring and modelling and the resulting societal impacts that have been realised. The research outputs include a set of digital solutions for the environmental air pollution challenges including (1) custom-designed low-cost air quality monitors that are premised on IoT technology (2) a methodology for deploying a high-resolution and citizen-driven air quality monitoring (3) AI-powered digital tools for air quality information modelling and analysis for citizens and city leaders, and (4) a framework for engagement for citizens and leaders. The AirQo project has been deployed and scaled out in cities in Eastern, Western, and Central African countries. The societal impacts resulting from the implementation of the AirQo research project include policy and regulations, education and awareness, and research around air quality issues.