Experts explore AI-enabled sensor networks to tackle urban air pollution

As several Indian cities reel under severe air pollution, experts on Wednesday gathered at a national workshop organised by IIT Kanpur’s Airawat Research Foundation (ARF) to discuss how AI-enabled low-cost sensor networks can help cities generate hyperlocal, real-time air quality data.

Held at the India International Centre, the workshop brought together experts from academia, industry and government to discuss expanding dense sensor networks, setting common data standards and using AI for pollution forecasting.

A major theme of the workshop was the need for monitoring systems capable of capturing neighbourhood-level pollution in real time.

ARF CEO Amar Nath shared the foundation’s AI-driven clean air plan for Delhi, emphasising that cities require systems that are both scalable and affordable. He noted AI and machine learning can convert low-cost sensor (LCS) data into actionable information for city agencies.

Prof SN Tripathi, project director of IIT Kanpur’s AI Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cities, spoke about the Centre’s work in deploying and calibrating LCS networks. He said these systems can generate high-resolution pollution maps and support local action.

Industry representatives Namita Gupta of Airveda and Vamsi Krishna of Aurassure noted India’s sensor manufacturing capacity is expanding. They stressed the importance of interoperability, improved data quality and standardised protocols for wider deployment.

CSIR-NPL Chief Scientist Dr Govind Gupta said low-cost sensors complement regulatory monitoring by providing dense exposure data that traditional stations cannot capture. He added CSIR-NPL is establishing a gas sensor calibration facility, expected to be operational by 2026.

Researchers from IIT Delhi, including Prof Sagnik Dey and Dr Sofiya, presented findings demonstrating how dispersed sensors can capture short-term pollution spikes and assess the impact of measures such as traffic restrictions or construction controls.

ARF, a Section-8 organisation established by IIT Kanpur, operates the National Centre of Excellence for AI for Sustainable Cities and develops technology solutions for air quality, water, mobility, waste and climate resilience.