Riyadh: University students participating in the Hajj Health and Security Forum Hackathon showcased innovative models leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to serve pilgrims through projects inspired by real-world challenges and humanitarian situations. The projects aim to enhance emergency response efficiency and strengthen pilgrim safety within the holy sites, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to advance smart service systems.
According to Saudi Press Agency, student Yousef Al-Suwailmi from the College of Medicine at Jouf University presented his project, 'Vital Gate - Pulse Station,' a smart triage system designed to detect critical cases amid crowds before they reach hospitals. The system enables security personnel and volunteers to identify risks early and make timely decisions.
The project relies on the globally recognized NEWS2 algorithm to automatically assess health conditions without requiring a specialized physician at the triage site. It operates through three key stages: monitoring, triage, and immediate case direction.
The Pulse Station project aims to reduce response time and improve survival chances in high-density environments, enhancing the effectiveness of handling critical cases within the holy sites.
In another innovation with a humanitarian dimension, student Mais Al-Mousa from Effat University's College of Engineering, Computer Science Department - Artificial Intelligence Track, introduced the smart hydration station project. The innovation uses smart sensors to measure water flow and crowd density and is connected to an electronic gate that regulates entry to the hydration area. The gate opens during normal flow and temporarily closes when crowd density increases, helping reduce overcrowding and facilitate smoother access to water for pilgrims.
The project incorporates technologies including a water flow sensor, an ESP32 control unit, and an intelligent monitoring system equipped with visual indicators showing operational status and crowd congestion. The project also has the potential for future development through linkage to central control rooms and the transmission of instant alerts when crowd density rises or water levels decline.
These innovations reflect the growing role of young minds in developing technological and humanitarian solutions that contribute to improving the quality of services provided to pilgrims and enhancing the readiness of the Hajj ecosystem.