Student Device Uses AI to Visualize Dangerous Ocean Currents

May 15, 2025 | News On Japan

NAHA - Okinawa National College of Technology students have won the Education Minister’s Prize at the 2025 Deep Learning Contest for KOSEN Students (DCON), a national business competition where technical college teams showcase AI-driven project ideas.

Now in its sixth year, DCON 2025 attracted a record 95 entries from across Japan. The Okinawa team stood out with its development of a system that visualizes dangerous rip currents by analyzing ocean surface video to predict the direction and speed of waves.

Their device, named RiCAS, uses advanced image and data processing to detect and learn wave behavior. Once a rip current is detected, the system immediately issues a visual warning.

The students chose to focus on rip currents out of a strong desire to prevent water-related accidents. Their ability to accurately analyze wave conditions received high praise from judges, earning them the top award among all competing teams.

The three team members stated they will continue research and development of the device to help make ocean waters safer.

Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV

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