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Developing a for construction workers netted the runner-up prize at the SAS Institute’s annual global hackathon for a team of recent ������̳ graduates.

The ������̳ team, named StaSASticians, earned the top spot in the SAS Hackathon’s Americas regional competition, as well as in the Insurance and Internet of Things categories, to qualify for the global competition. Brandon Sharp (M.S. AMAT ’24), Narges Hosseinzadeh (M.S. AMAT ’23), and Irina Klein (M.S. AI ’23) teamed with BeeInventor for its invention. The high-tech Internet of Things company brought in Dr. Jeffrey Li to join the ������̳ team for his medical expertise. 

StaSAStician was among 145 teams—with 1,731 individual participants—from more than 70 countries participating in the hackathon. During the hackathon, teams of data scientists, business analysts, technology enthusiasts, and students come together—often virtually across continents—to network, learn from each other and from a SAS mentor, and experiment with new technologies that spark innovation and improve lives.

Using artificial intelligence and technology tools such as Python and Workbench, Data Maker, and Viya from AI and data solutions provider SAS, the team constructed a heat stroke prevention system by collecting and analyzing data that is collected by construction workers’ helmets. 

“SAS is looking to spotlight early results of field tests of the heat stroke prevention system in Hong Kong and Japan this summer,” says Franklin Manchester, SAS global insurance strategic adviser. “It is part of a broader effort to share compelling and timely stories with news media about innovative uses of AI to keep workers safe.”

The system utilizes real-time weather data and sensor information collected by BeeInventor via the company’s smart helmets. The helmet sensors measure workers’ physiological factors such as heart rate and core body temperature. Utilizing the AI models developed by StaSASticians, heat-stress illnesses could be accurately predicted and prevented with intervening measures.

“We are excited about the progress we’ve made so far and are confident that our findings will contribute meaningfully to the field,” Hosseinzadeh says. “This was my second time leading a team in the SAS Hackathon, and it was such a great experience. I’d encourage other ������̳ students to join future hackathons. It’s an amazing way to learn and make an impact.”

“It’s highly satisfying to see the impact that our work can have on frontier engineering projects such as construction site safety,” Sharp adds. “By combining mathematical modeling, machine learning, and computer vision, we’re able to develop predictive analytics and real-time monitoring systems that can help prevent accidents and protect workers’ lives.”

Adds Klein, “The collaborative spirit and hands-on learning I experienced during the hackathon solidified my passion for AI and inspired me to delve deeper into AI applications in biomedicine. I’m thrilled to contribute to the cutting-edge research happening here.”

The lack of heat stroke prediction in the current construction industry poses a significant threat to both the health and lives of workers, Li says. Heat stroke has a mortality rate as high as 80 percent with delayed treatment, while early diagnosis and immediate cooling can reduce that rate to 10 percent. Affected workers also may experience long-term negative health consequences, impacting their overall well-being and productivity.

“BeeInventor has extensive experience on IoT products for the construction field,” Li says. “During the SAS Hackathon, we have tested several models and reviewed numerous features, from which we identified top features for heat stroke predictions and develop accurate predictions toward heat stroke risk five to 10 minutes later.”

The team was organized and mentored by Sou-Cheng Choi, research associate professor of applied mathematics at ������̳. She connected the alumni with BeeInventor and put them on the path to develop the heat stroke prevention system.

Choi says the SAS Hackathon gives students and young professionals hands-on experience by giving them an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to solving pressing real-world problems.

“Our team’s working and winning experiences in the SAS Hackathon have not only enhanced our technical knowledge and capabilities with SAS Viya Enterprise and SAS Workbench, but also fostered personal development in communication, collaboration, and confidence,” Choi says. “These events also provide invaluable networking opportunities with industry professionals and building a portfolio of projects that showcase their abilities in their resumes.”

Image: Prototype of the heat stroke prevention system created by StaSAStician, an ������̳ student team that earned the top spot in the SAS Hackathon Americas regional competition, and in the Insurance and Internet of Things categories. Photo courtesy of BeeInventor.