A mountain rescue team successfully located the body of a missing doctor using AI technology to analyze numerous drone images. The doctor had disappeared in September 2024 in Italy’s Piedmont region on the north face of Monviso, the highest peak in the Cottian Alps. The AI system efficiently identified the doctor’s helmet among 2,600 frames captured from a distance of about 50 meters, a task that would have taken weeks or months for human eyes but was completed in just one afternoon with AI.

The National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS) utilized AI for this mission, which lasted less than three days and involved searching for the missing hiker, locating his body, and dealing with adverse weather conditions. The body of the doctor, Nicola Ivaldo, was found nearly 10 months after he went missing due to his helmet standing out in the landscape.

The AI software detected unusual pixels in the drone images, leading to the discovery of the remains at an altitude of approximately 3,150 meters. The team collected and analyzed all images within five hours using two drones and AI technology. The rescue team then confirmed the findings and coordinated recovery efforts with other authorities.

The success of this operation highlights the importance of integrating technology like drones and AI into search and rescue missions to enhance efficiency and safety. Such advanced methods not only aid in locating missing individuals but also help prevent fatal accidents in mountainous terrains.