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Published: 31 July 2024

By Elijah Espiritu

According to the United Nations, water scarcity is a perennial problem on every continent, with poorer communities being much more affected. They added that water is a finite resource with perpetually increasing demand, as such it should be treated as such and have mitigating technologies that monitor water resources, and provide water-saving, green, and hybrid solutions.

The Hiraya Intelligent Modular Optimization (HIMO) is a water management system that makes use of A.I. technology for automated real-time water flow analysis and easy cloud-based management. Developed under the supervision of Engr. Jan Russell Diolata, Head of Technical Operations (Hiraya Tech), HIMO was designed to reduce water losses in non-revenue water (NRW), reduce power consumption, and improve water management service levels.

In consideration of international green initiatives, this product aims to aid water conservation policies by implementing technologies that can reduce water consumption in industrial and household applications.

Innovating solutions to a growing problem

At the height of the pandemic, manual water management services faced significant challenges due to workforce shortages during quarantine, leading to increased water waste from operational inefficiencies. To address these issues, HIMO leverages advanced engineering, remote technologies, and over-the-air communications to streamline water management and improve the distribution of this essential resource.

As the first smart water company in the Philippines, HIMO integrates multiple remote connectivity options such as wired/wireless Ethernet, WLAN, WAN, WPAN, and IEEE 802.15 standards. These technologies enable HIMO to study water flow and develop datasets to optimize pump curves for enhanced efficiency in water distribution.

Hiraya Tech's Head of Technical Operations, Engr. Jan Russell Diolata, highlighted their approach to data analytics in developing HIMO, starting with problem-solving goals or hypotheses validated through the scientific method. By applying this method, HIMO observes, collects, and analyzes water dynamics, transforming these insights into algorithms that automate actions and flow adjustments, thus optimizing water management operations.

“If you have energy inefficiencies or suboptimal operations for your equipment, we can help you. Our system is capable of advanced data monitoring and artificial intelligence-powered control.”
- Engr. Jan Russell Diolata
On the inner workings of Hiraya Intelligent Modular Optimization (HIMO)

Beyond the Horizon: Challenges and Opportunities

Regardless of its excellent innovative function, HIMO still faces problems in public awareness, especially in introducing technology to industry leaders. Diolata expressed how their team is hoping that the government could offer assistance in gaining traction and credibility.

“We believe a lot of businesses need our invention to optimize their operations. It’s just that they are not aware that there exists this kind of technology."
- Engr. Jan Russell Diolata
On the marketing of Hiraya Intelligent Modular Optimization (HIMO)

Leveraging government programs in commercialization, the Hiraya Intelligent Modular Optimization (HIMO) is one of the country’s representatives at the recently concluded WorldInvent Singapore 2024.

Diolata believes that this exposure from the international showcase can be a gateway for HIMO to be recognized locally and internationally. Coincidentally, being a representative for the country, and for a government agency such as DOST-TAPI will help the company build rapport with the public as a trustworthy entity.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase alongside other home-grown inventions/innovations and to expose Philippine ingenuity and technological capabilities to the world.

Diolata added that their team also aims to inspire young Filipinos to discard beliefs of other countries being far ahead in terms of development and start believing in our home-grown talents so that we may also begin to recognize the brilliant minds responsible for many technologies in the country.

“We Filipinos have this deeply rooted mindset of believing that other countries are always ahead of us. But I believe we also have the brilliant minds that produce innovation in other countries.”
- Engr. Jan Russell Diolata
On recognizing local inventors

As Hiraya Tech continues to innovate and expand the reach of HIMO, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of AI in addressing global water scarcity, while showcasing the brilliance and potential of Filipino ingenuity.

** This article is part of the "SPICE: Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits" campaign for the participants of the WorldInvent Singapore 2024. For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.**