NRMA Insurance partners up with CSIRO Data61 to create the ‘NRMA Fireblanket’ prototype via Tricky Jigsaw, part of M&C Saatchi Sydney

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3 (1).jpgNRMA Insurance has embarked on a new project to explore the potential of fire prevention technologies with leading science organisation Data61, a division of CSIRO.

 

The partnership with CSIRO Data61 follows almost two years of research and development with innovation partner Tricky Jigsaw, part of the M&C Saatchi Group, to build and test an early bushfire detection prototype called NRMA FireBlanket.

NRMA FireBlanket is an early bushfire detection and monitoring network prototype made up of sensor nodes that sniff the air for bushfire smoke. If smoke is detected they can communicate with each other via a wireless sensor network to help locate the source.

The partnership with CSIRO Data61 will see the NRMA FireBlanket prototype tested and evaluated alongside other bushfire prevention technologies to determine if it could complement existing initiatives.

 

Says Jane Merrick, general manager of marketing and customer experience for NRMA Insurance: “NRMA Insurance has a long history of being there for customers before, during and after a disaster. With one in 10 Australians being impacted by bushfire at some point in their lives, we have developed the NRMA FireBlanket project to explore the role technology can play in helping us to detect and prevent bushfires.

 

“We are proud of the work that has gone into developing the NRMA FireBlanket project over the last two years with Tricky Jigsaw. We have now engaged CSIRO’s Data61 whose bushfire experience will help explore ways to move the NRMA FireBlanket project forward.”

 

Says Ben Cooper, innovation partner, Tricky Jigsaw: “This project has allowed us to collaborate on a prototype that has the potential to create on the ground ‘bush intelligence’ that gives always-on insight into bushfire conditions and threat. R&D continues with CSIRO’s Data 61 to move it closer to reality.”

 

Says Michael Canning, executive creative director, M&C Saatchi: “Bushfires are a real danger for many Australian communities. NRMA FireBlanket is an exciting initiative we’re collaborating on with NRMA Insurance to help make Australian homes and Australian families safer. We’re looking forward to sharing more about the prototype as we undertake further testing.”

Client: NRMA Insurance

Agency: M&C Saatchi Sydney

Tech Partner: Tricky Jigsaw

Product Design: Vert Design

Production Company: Kite Productions – Josh Moore

Post Production: Alt VFX, Heckler

Sound: Sound Reservoir

Media: Mindshare