Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the conservation efforts for Norwegian Atlantic salmon by effectively identifying and sorting out humpback salmon during their migration upriver to spawn. The trap system was showcased during the AI+ Exhibit, and the solution has already gained international attention.
At AI+, the spotlight is on applied artificial intelligence (AI), and the conference showcases numerous examples of AI in action.
Among the highlights of the 2024 program was the AI+ Exhibit, a new feature that provided sponsors and partners with a platform to showcase their innovations to the 371 in-person attendees (463 in total).
Among the exhibitors was Simula Consulting, a sponsor of AI+ 2024, which presented an exciting application of AI technology.
Two Prestigious Awards
In partnership with Huawei Norway and Troll Systems, the technology company has pioneered a solution that utilizes artificial intelligence to detect and divert unwanted humpback salmon, known as ‘pukkellaks’ in Norwegian, into a specially designed trap, preventing them from reaching the river to spawn.
The trap system has been tested in Storelva in Berlevåg in cooperation with the Berlevåg Hunting and Fishing Association, yielding promising results. In 2023, the trap helped prevent over 6,000 humpback salmon from reaching their spawning grounds while allowing the Norwegian Atlantic salmon to continue their journey.
Check out the river management demo below:
The remarkable solution has already received international recognition twice. In 2023, Simula Consulting, Huawei Norway, and Troll Systems were awarded the jury’s special prize at the World AI Cannes Festival. In March 2024, they were honoured with the “Outstanding Mobile Contribution to the UN SDGs” award at the Global Mobile Awards in Barcelona.
During AI+ in April 2024, the conference attendees could view live footage from Storelva in Berlevåg and engage with the developers from Simula Consulting.
“We are proud to have developed this solution in collaboration with Huawei and Troll Systems. It serves as a prime example of our commitment to developing technology that benefits not only the environment but also society at large,” says Omar Richardson, Chief Technology Officer at Simula Consulting.
Important Meeting Place
AI+ 2024 marked the fifth consecutive conference organized by the renowned technology, innovation, and research community based in Halden, comprising the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), eSmart Systems, Smart Innovation Norway, Halden Municipality, Halden Business Development, and Østfold University College.
With the ambition of creating a premier gathering for applied artificial intelligence, the stakeholders, together with the Halden-based Cluster for Applied AI, will unify politicians, business leaders, researchers, IT professionals, and AI enthusiasts for two days of lectures, debates, parallel sessions, panel discussions, knowledge exchange, and networking in Halden.
The 2024 edition of the conference featured notable names such as State Secretary Tomas Norvoll from the Directorate for Digitization, David Hansen from Microsoft, Cathrine Pihl Lyngstad from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV), Magnus Sahlgren from AI Sweden, Elisabet Haugsbø from Tekna, Morten Langfeldt Dahlback from Faktisk.no, Torgeir Waterhouse from Otte, Alex Moltzau from NORA, Hanne Heltne from the law firm Advokatfirmaet CLP DA, Niels Goet from Bane NOR, Heine Skipnes from NTNU, and Niklas Kilberg from Volvo Cars.
Pupils Learned About AI
As part of this year’s AI+ event, Smart Innovation Norway and IFE hosted three AI days tailored for all 8th graders in Halden.
In collaboration with the Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning (NND) and Inspiria Science Center, the initiative offered nearly 400 pupils to explore the fundamentals of AI, witness the technology in action, engage in hands-on activities, tackle technical challenges, and gain a deeper understanding of what the future society and workforce hold.
Feedback about the AI days was overwhelmingly positive, coming from pupils, teachers, and organizers alike.
In anticipation of the AI+, IFE and Østfold University College hosted the academic conference ICAPAI, focusing this year on ‘Human-Centric AI for the Digital Society’. This gathering provides a platform for researchers and professionals to exchange insights and ideas.
In the evening, LO Østfold, NHO Viken Oslo, Kirkens Bymisjon Halden, Halden Chambre of Commerce, and AI+ collaborated to host ‘Kunstig Intelligens på pøbben’, an informal event in Norwegian about AI for the public. The event blended entertainment, culture, and discussions, igniting curiosity about AI and its potential.
Tech and Culture Combined
The annual conference dinner took place at the esteemed Haldens Klub, which hosted over 100 guests. Afterwards, the evening continued with the AI+ Party at Kulturhuset, which offered delightful drinks, a lively atmosphere, and excellent music.
- See image gallery from Day 1 of AI+ 2024
- See image gallery from the evening activities of Day 1
- See image gallery from Day 2 of AI+ 2024
Attendees had the opportunity to join a historical city tour on day 1 and the AI+ Run on the morning of day 2. Another AI+ 2024 sponsor, Computas, gathered people for a mini event with Google as a pre-party to the conference dinner.
Before lunch on day two, participants could select from three parallel sessions based on their interest areas: AI+ Business, AI+ Risk, and AI+ Education.
New this year was AI+’s collaboration with other prominent figures in Halden’s academic and cultural scene. The Fredriksten Opera Festival began its musical program on April 12, while the Halden International Music Film Festival (HIMF) brought the nine-day cultural and technology festival to a close.