APU Students Create Adaptive AI Evacuation System for Emergencies

Three students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) have developed the Lumina Smart Evacuation System, an AI-powered solution designed to improve safety during building emergencies. The system functions by adapting evacuation routes in real time, moving beyond the limitations of traditional fixed emergency exit signs.

The invention combines smart sensing, Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and edge AI to monitor conditions and provide dynamic guidance to occupants. According to the original publisher, the project was created by a team from the university's School of Computing and School of Technology. The team members are Lai Zi Huey, who specialises in Business Information Systems; Software Engineering student Low Wei Ling; and Woo May Eng.

The project gained recognition at the Tech 4 Good Challenge 2026 Grand Finale, held in Batu Kawan, Penang, on 25 July 2026. The Lumina Smart Evacuation System secured the first runner-up position after a competitive process that saw the team advance through preliminary screenings and prototype showcases. They were among 24 finalists selected from a pool of nearly 190 participating teams.

The development of this system reflects a growing focus on integrating intelligent technology into physical infrastructure to enhance public safety. By utilizing edge AI to process data locally, the system offers a responsive approach to emergency management that can adjust to evolving threats within a building.

For Malaysian building owners and urban planners, this innovation signals a shift toward smarter, automated safety protocols. As buildings become more densely populated and complex, the implementation of adaptive systems like Lumina could prove essential in reducing reaction times and improving evacuation efficiency, ultimately lowering risks for occupants during critical incidents.