A multidisciplinary team from the Technological University of Panama (UTP) has designed an advanced intelligent environmental monitoring system named ‘SIMA’, destined to transform air quality surveillance in the country. This technological breakthrough represents a strategic tool for government institutions and the scientific community, positioning Panama at the forefront of intelligent environmental monitoring in the region. The project, backed by SENACYT and CEMCIT AIP, integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide real-time analysis. The system uses Long Range (LoRa) communication technology and features local storage, ensuring the continuity of data collection. One of SIMA's most disruptive components is the incorporation of AI algorithms. These tools are responsible for the automatic correction of data and the development of predictive models. Thanks to this analytical capability, the system not only measures current air quality but also allows for short-term forecasts, facilitating anticipation of potential atmospheric pollution episodes. The development of SIMA involved the participation of leading academics from various faculties and research centers at UTP, as well as international cooperation. Improvements included the redesign of electronic circuits, optimization of casings, and the implementation of an energy management system combining various power sources. In addition to the physical infrastructure, a comprehensive platform was developed for the visualization and analysis of pollutants detected by the monitoring stations.
Project SIMA optimizes air quality monitoring in Panama using AI and IoT
A multidisciplinary team from Panama's Technological University has developed the SIMA system, which uses AI and IoT to continuously monitor air quality, enabling forecasts and pollution warnings.