Innovative Training for Humanitarian Response: MASAI at the Heart of Cross-Border Emergency Preparedness
Humanitarian organisations like the Italian Red Cross (Croce Rossa Italiana – CRI) are on the frontlines of addressing increasingly complex and frequent crises. Their commitment to enhancing the efficiency and timeliness of emergency response is evident in their active involvement in research and innovation projects.

As part of European initiatives such as RED ROSES, COVALEX, and ESARC, CRI recently organised a cross-border emergency response exercise between October 22nd and 28th, 2024. This exercise aimed to bridge theoretical training with practical, hands-on experience in an international context. Responders received the skills and tools to handle emergencies effectively, fostering collaboration and operational readiness among diverse stakeholders.

On October 24th, 2024, TerrAria S.r.l. participated in this significant event at CRI’s National Training Center in Bresso, where it showcased the MASAI platform (Map for damage Assessment with Satellite Artificial Intelligence). Developed under the MASAI Project and funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency, MASAI is a cutting-edge solution designed to support humanitarian organisations in crisis management.

MASAI: Harnessing AI and Satellite Technology for Emergency Response
The MASAI platform is tailored to assess damage to critical infrastructure in crisis zones, empowering first responders with actionable insights. MASAI delivers rapid and precise damage assessments by leveraging RADAR, high-resolution optical satellite imagery, and advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. These insights enable better planning and coordination of humanitarian interventions, ensuring resources are deployed effectively where they are most needed.
The Italian Red Cross, as a critical end-user, has played a pivotal role in integrating this innovative platform into real-world scenarios. The exercise provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate MASAI’s capabilities and gather valuable participant feedback.

Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt thanks to CRI, with special recognition to Jean-Baptiste Bove and Lorenzo S. Massucchielli for including MASAI in this vital training exercise. We are also grateful to all attendees for their interest and constructive engagement.

For more information about MASAI, its ongoing development and to arrenge a demo, please get in touch with us at:
masai@terraria.com