South Korean AI improves search-and-rescue operations

On December 9, 2024, South Korean tech firm Solvit Systems unveiled its AI system that improves search-and-rescue systems. 

Solvit calls it the Intelligent Search and Rescue System (iSAR) and it helps rescue missing persons in areas with poor radio signal reception.

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The company developed the technology with various government agencies and won the Innovation Award at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025.

How does search-and-rescue AI work?

South Korean news website Aving reports that iSAR uses a person’s last mobile phone base station information to find them quickly.

Previously, search-and-rescue personnel used base station information in a wide area.

iSAR narrows the search area by up to 1/25ths of the original size by analyzing radio waves and movement data. 

This artificial intelligence proved effective in radio-shadowed areas like jungles, mountains, and deserts. 

As a result, the Gyeonggi-do Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters gave it a high evaluation of 94 points. 

Solvit Systems developed this search-and-rescue system with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.

CEO Kim Young-gu told Aving News:

“If we receive more precise base station data from mobile carriers in case of emergency rescue, it will be possible to determine exact locations.” 

Also, his company will enter the global market by promoting iSAR to rescue and police agencies in Europe and the US.

“In the future, we want to play a bigger role in the public safety field and be recognized as a life-saving technology in overseas markets, contributing to saving more lives,” he added.