How IoT is boosting readiness and supporting disaster response across New Zealand

Throughout the world, natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. Whether it’s devastating floods, earthquakes, or wildfires, the stakes have never been higher. But thanks to new technologies—specifically IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence)—we’re witnessing exciting innovations in how we prepare for and respond to these events.

But it’s when these technologies work together that something remarkable happens: they create what Adroit specialises in—Environmental Intelligence.
At its core, Environmental Intelligence combines connected devices (IoT) with AI to provide real-time data, predictions, and decision-making tools. It uses technology to help us better understand what’s happening in the world around us.

So, What Does Robbie Williams Have to Do With Environmental Intelligence?

Last November, thousands of fans (like me) visiting the beautiful Hawkes Bay to see Robbie perform at the Mission Estate were confronted with the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. Huge piles of slash and extensive damage to roads and buildings served as a stark reminder of how devastating natural disasters can be—and how unprepared we often are for such events.

As climate change amplifies the frequency and severity of these disasters, it reinforces why the Adroit team feels a profound responsibility to develop technology that improves disaster preparedness and response.

How Environmental Monitoring Is Changing the Game

Environmental monitoring involves deploying IoT sensors in specific locations to measure air quality, noise, dust, vibration, water quality, water levels, ground movement, and more.

Sounds simple, right? But often, these sensors operate in harsh environments—wet, dirty; exposed to extreme weather, with no power supply, limited access, and poor network coverage. Installing and maintaining electronic equipment in such conditions is a significant challenge.

Fortunately, IoT technology has evolved dramatically in recent years, making applications that were once experimental now standard practice. IoT controllers are smaller, waterproof, have longer battery life, improved network coverage, and their sensors—using accelerometers, lasers, and optical technology—are now more accurate, reliable, and cost-effective.

Adroit has been at the forefront of this transformation, spending the past five years developing IoT solutions to monitor the environment. We’ve integrated new IoT controllers and sensors, designed innovative installation and maintenance systems, and developed hardware and software solutions—including our world-first connected construction vibration sensor certified to the German DIN4150 standard.

Since environmental monitoring often involves remote locations, Adroit has also added satellite connectivity to its product range. Using systems like Iridium, which are purpose-built for IoT, we can provide 100% coverage in any conditions.

This shift eliminates the need for outdated methods—like sending someone to collect samples monthly and waiting weeks for lab results. With Adroit’s IoT solutions, data is updated every 15 minutes, transforming what was once a snapshot into a high-definition video.

Making Sense of Data with AI

While IoT devices provide rich streams of data, too much data can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where AI comes in – transforming raw data into trends, predictions, and actionable insights. This synergy of IoT and AI is what we call Environmental Intelligence.

For example, imagine monitoring rainfall and ground movement above a motorway with IoT sensors. AI can analyse this data and provide early warnings of potential landslides, issuing real-time alerts to authorities or residents and potentially saving lives.

At a strategic level, AI can also run simulations to help responders plan for disasters. For example, it can model wildfire spread based on current weather and terrain data, giving decision-makers critical insights for resource allocation.

Adroit Analytics: Turning Data Into Insights

To make Environmental Intelligence more accessible, Adroit has developed Adroit Analytics, a platform tailored to specific industries. Using AWS Analytics tools, the platform generates detailed reports and feeds data into an AI engine for instant insights and trends. Adroit Analytics for Construction was launched last month, with new modules for Geotech and Disaster Management currently in development.

Here are six ways Environmental Intelligence is transforming disaster management:

1 – Early Warning
IoT sensors tracking seismic activity, rising water levels, or extreme weather—combined with AI analysis—can provide advanced warnings of disasters. For example, Japan uses this technology to detect earthquakes and automatically shut down gas lines and power plants.

2 – Real-Time Monitoring
During disasters, accurate real-time data is critical. Sensors on bridges, dams, or other infrastructure can monitor conditions and alert authorities when thresholds are reached.

3 – Deeper Understanding
AI can analyse historical and real-time data to predict the likelihood and impact of disasters, enabling better preparation and planning.

4 – Smarter Decision-Making
AI acts as a super-smart assistant during crises, quickly analysing vast datasets to suggest the best course of action, from evacuation to first responder deployment.

5 – Improved Communication
IoT and AI streamline communication during disasters, sending automated alerts to responders and the public through text messages, apps, or chatbots, ensuring clarity and speed.

6 – Post-Disaster Recovery
Even after disasters, Environmental Intelligence proves invaluable. AI can analyse satellite images to assess damage, prioritise recovery, and guide rescue teams to the hardest-hit areas.

Why This Matters

Climate change is driving more frequent and severe natural disasters. But by embracing Environmental Intelligence, we can better prepare for and respond to these events. The combination of IoT and AI makes disaster management smarter, faster, and more effective—from early warnings to improved resource allocation. And as this technology becomes more affordable, its applications will only grow.

What’s Next?

At Adroit, we’re committed to building the tools needed for a safer, more resilient future. By integrating IoT and AI, disaster management is becoming more effective, enabling authorities to enhance early warning systems, optimise response efforts, and accelerate recovery. Whether you’re a government agency, construction firm, or community group, tools like Adroit Analytics can help turn data into actionable insights. We’re at the forefront of a revolution in disaster management. By combining IoT, AI, and human ingenuity, we have the tools to build a safer future.
And hopefully, the next time Robbie Williams comes to town, we’ll all be in much better shape.