Infineon and Rainforest Connection create real-time monitoring system to detect wildfires in some of the world’s most vulnerable forests

Infineon Technologies has announced a collaboration with Rainforest Connection (RFCx), a non-profit organisation that uses acoustic technology, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning to save the rainforests and monitor biodiversity. In this joint collaboration, RFCx will explore the use of Infineon’s gas sensing technologies to elevate and expand upon the capabilities of their current acoustic listening devices used to monitor and protect vulnerable rainforest ecosystems. This includes monitoring primates, birds, frogs, insects, bats and other organisms, and protecting against threats ranging from illegal logging to what can now also be forest fires with this collaboration.

“Infineon will enable us to better track rainforest ecosystems in various locations regardless of weather conditions and environmental concerns,” said Topher White, CEO and Founder, Rainforest Connection. “Our mission is to develop and leverage conservation technology to empower our partners and protect threatened ecosystems. With this new technology partnership with Infineon, we are thrilled to bring new levels of technology to help protect the rainforests. I am excited to keynote at their annual OktoberTech Americas event.”

RFCx’s scalable, real-time monitoring system protects and studies remote ecosystems through an approach using acoustic sensors – which will soon include Infineon’s gas sensing technologies at select locations – and AI / Machine Learning to empower partners on the ground to take action. Additional monitoring of the ecosystem soundscape at select locations with Infineon’s gas sensors will allow RFCx and its partners to detect fires in real-time, along with other potential threats. The platform streams data within the natural and remote regions of the world to local partners on the ground which may soon include local fire authorities.

“Infineon’s mission is to make the world an easier, safer and greener place,” said Bob LeFort, President of Infineon Americas. “This collaboration exemplifies our mission by leveraging Infineon technology and expertise to improve monitor activities in the rainforest to help prevent illegal deforestation, halt animal poaching and now explore gas and forest health monitoring in very remote areas. We are committed to using our technology to help fight climate change and protect natural resources.”

About Rainforest Connection

Rainforest Connection (RFCx) uses technology and big data to enable on-the-ground partners to save the world’s most threatened rainforests and habitats. Saving rainforests isn’t only the key to halting climate change, it is also vital to supporting many of the world’s poorest communities who rely on rainforests for food, shelter and livelihood.

About OktoberTech

At Infineon’s annual OktoberTech conferences, corporate innovators, start-ups, academics, investors and policymakers from across the ecosystem come together to discuss the latest technological advancements and industry transformations. Hosted by members of the Infineon management board, this year’s series is OktoberTech Americas on 21 October, followed by OkoberTech Japan on 26 October, and OktoberTech Asia Pacific on 27 October.

About Infineon

Infineon Technologies AG is a world leader in semiconductor solutions that make life easier, safer and greener. Microelectronics from Infineon are the key to a better future. In the 2020 fiscal year (ending 30 September), Infineon reported revenue of more than €8.6 billion with a workforce of some 46,700 people worldwide. Following the acquisition of the US company Cypress Semiconductor Corporation in April 2020, Infineon is now a global top 10 semiconductor company.