A helmet sensor that could potentially save the lives of fire fighters was one of five inventions that has reached the final of a Hackathon event.

The Hackathon challenged computer programmers to use data and develop computer programs to improve lives. It was held last weekend at Imperial College London.

In one challenge, programmers were given access to data from the Hampshire and Dorset Fire Brigades to help them develop digital technologies that could keep fire fighters safe on duty.  Currently there is no system in place for fire-fighters to detect temperature surges.

Temperature surges are a serious cause of death for fire fighters.  Two were killed in a blaze in south England in 2010. Temperatures can rise hundreds of degrees in seconds if a fire is hit with a blast of air — for example when a window bursts. The risk has become worse as protection has become more effective leaving fire fighters less able to sense sudden changes in temperature. A 15 second delay can be lethal.

In the audio interview, Group Manager, Mick Johns from the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service discusses the potential of the Hackathon for improving the way that fire fighters operate.

Improving the way that fire fighters operate

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A group of hackers called ‘Team Fire’ developed the computer program behind a sensor device that could fit neatly inside a fire fighter’s helmet, monitoring the temperature surges during a fire.  The sensor would vibrate when there is a rapid fluctuation in temperature, alerting the fire fighter, so that they could make quick exit from the building.

Other finalist projects included a mobile app that coordinates information between emergency services and citizens in real time.  The app was designed to address the challenge of slow information gathering during crisis situations such as riots or floods.

In the audio interview, Hackathon contestants discuss their work and what it is like to take part in the event.

Behind the scenes of the Hackathon

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Commenting on the Hackathon, Dr Catherine Mulligan, Research Fellow at Imperial College Business School, said:

“The ideas that came out from the Hackathon were really inspiring and exciting.  These ideas could have the potential to save the lives of fire fighters, who often put themselves at risk in order to keep the public safe.  This is just an example of how the UP Festival can harness some of the public’s most innovative ideas and connect them with the funding opportunities available to see them come to life and make a difference to society.”

In the audio interview, Dr Mulligan talks in more detail about the Hackathon and the UP Festival.

Hackathon and the Urban Prototyping Festival

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More than 100 computer programmers, developers and technologists took part in the Hackathon, which was held at Imperial College London on 19-21 April.  This competition was open to computer programmers, designers, architects and anyone interested in using digital technologies to deliver citizen-led improvements in the urban space.

The Hackathon is part of the Urban Prototyping (UP) Festival, which is happening at Imperial until 26 June.The Festival, held annually in cities around the world, explores how technology, art and design can help to create smart sustainable cities.

Team Fire, along with the four other finalists ideas will go on to be judged with the overall winner being announced on 25 April during the Festival. The winning idea will then be developed with funding from businesses, potentially sharing in £100,000.

The winning team will also receive a complementary trip idea to Shanghai, China on 26-28 June 2013.  Here they will present their ideas to a Smart City Forum of Chief Information Officers and to leading mobile operators.  The trip is organised by the GSM Association, which represents the interest of mobile operators worldwide. 

The Technology Strategy Board will also award £1,000 each to six selected individuals to help them build their prototypes for an exhibition taking place at Digital Shoreditch, which is an organisation that celebrates the outstanding creative, technical and entrepreneurial talent of East London and Tech City. Additionally, Intel will also offer a further £3,000 to the winning teams.

The UP Festival is led by DE Sustainable Society Network+.  Imperial College London, DE NEMODE Network+ and the UK Research Council (RCUK) Digital Economy Programme are event partners.