Inspection tools & technologies |
Revolutionizing disaster response
When hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through the southeastern US, utility providers like
Duke Energy turned to innovative technologies for help. Satelytics, led by CEO Sean Donegan, delivered life-saving insights in hours, using AI and satellite imagery to map destruction, prioritize repairs, and guide disaster response. In this exclusive interview with
IWP&DC, Donegan shares how his company is not only transforming crisis management but also paving the way for proactive, sustainable solutions across industries
Right: Satelytics interprets spectral signatures like fingerprints
WHEN HURRICANES HELENE AND MILTON swept across the southeastern US, the destruction was immense. Power lines were downed, water systems disrupted, and entire neighbourhoods were left in disarray. For utility providers like Duke Energy, tasked with restoring vital services to millions, the challenge was monumental. Enter Satelytics, a small but powerful player in the world of artificial intelligence and satellite data, whose innovative technology is reshaping the way industries respond to crises.
Under the leadership of its dynamic CEO, Sean Donegan, Satelytics has become a game-changer for utilities, offering rapid, actionable insights during disasters and beyond. In an exclusive interview, Donegan shared how his team provided support during the hurricanes and how their technology is creating new possibilities for sustainability and problem-solving across industries.
A vision rooted in prevention Ten years ago, Sean Donegan founded Satelytics
with a bold vision: to move businesses from reactive to proactive problem-solving. “Our goal from the start was to answer a simple question,” Donegan explained. “How early can we detect an issue and give businesses
28 | December 2024 |
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enough time to act before it spirals out of control?” At the heart of Satelytics’ software is the use of light data. Everything on Earth – whether it’s a healthy tree, an algae bloom, or a damaged pipeline – reflects light in unique patterns. By analyzing these patterns, Satelytics can identify subtle changes that signal potential problems. “For example, when light hits an oak tree, it creates a specific pattern,” Donegan said. “If that tree is unhealthy and likely to fall, the pattern changes. Our AI algorithms can pick up on that and flag it before the tree becomes a safety hazard.” The software is powered by convolutional neural networks, a sophisticated type of artificial intelligence capable of processing vast amounts of data at remarkable speed. This technology forms the backbone of Satelytics, allowing it to analyze satellite images and deliver detailed insights within hours.
Satelytics in action: Hurricanes Helene
and Milton When Duke Energy called Satelytics during the hurricanes, they weren’t just seeking a service – they were reaching out to a trusted partner. “Duke has been
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