THIS is a DUCK... and it could save your life - Call For Code
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Promos
Thanks, IBM for sponsoring this video! Submit your idea to Call for Code for a chance to win $200,000 to use on your idea and help saves lives after a natural disaster at ibm.biz Project OWL (project-owl.com) was last year's winner from Call for Code that created their own inexpensive and simple yet effective communication mesh system for use in disaster zones where internet is not readily everywhere. It could save your life! Watch Project OWL in action at Puerto Rico (youtu.be Buy: Emergency Supplies On Amazon: geni.us On NewEgg: geni.us Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: linustechtips.com Get Private Internet Access today at geni.us Displate metal posters: lmg.gg Linus Tech Tips merchandise at lttstore.com Linus Tech Tips posters at crowdmade.com Our Test Benches on Amazon: amazon.com Our production gear: geni.us Twitter - twitter.com Facebook - @LinusTech Instagram - @linustech Twitch - twitch.tv Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com
Project OWL showcases a novel emergency communications solution that uses a fleet of floating ducks to form a floating wifi mesh network. The video explains that the ducks are small transmitters mounting an Arduino board with a wifi chip, a LoRa radio, and an antenna, designed to be deployed quickly in disaster zones where traditional networks may fail. The concept centers on one main duck acting as a primary connection point, with satellite ducks spreading out to relay messages back to the central hub. Users connect to the nearest duck and their messages travel via LoRa to reach first responders and an emergency portal that can share critical information like location and medical needs. The intend is not to deliver high speed internet, but to maintain basic connectivity for emergency coordination, sharing location data, and coordinating relief efforts. The segment emphasizes that Project OWL originated from a call for code submission, backed by IBM, and highlights real-world testing like the Puerto Rico field exercise to validate resilience in disaster scenarios. The video also frames potential uses beyond disaster zones, such as locating supplies in areas with no cell service or providing a lightweight communication backbone for shelters and relief centers. Finally, the presenters invite viewers with actionable ideas to enter the next Call for Code cycle, underscoring the program’s mission to empower communities with sustainable, life-saving technology.
Topics · science and technology · emergency communications · disaster response · iot and wireless networks · community tech
Questions answered
- How do the ducks form an emergency wifi mesh and what technologies are used?
- The ducks carry an Arduino board with a wifi chip, a LoRa radio, and an antenna. A main duck serves as the primary connection point while satellite ducks relay messages to create a mesh network. Messages travel from user devices to the nearest duck and are sent over LoRa to reach the main hub, enabling emergency communications even when traditional networks are down.
- What kinds of information can the system share during a disaster?
- Users can connect to the nearest duck and send SOS messages that include GPS location and details about the emergency, such as the need for medical attention, evacuation, food, or shelter. The system can also relay updates to first responders and emergency portals coordinated by a response center.
- What real-world testing or deployment has been done for this technology?
- Project OWL has conducted field tests in Puerto Rico following disaster events to validate the ability to restore connectivity quickly in affected areas, with the aim of supporting relief efforts and information flow when internet access is scarce.