AirGo is KAUST’s hybrid air quality monitoring system, combining mobile and stationary technologies to understand urban air pollution. Its modular, solar-powered units are affordable and adaptable, packing sensors that track particulate matter, gases, temperature, humidity, and pressure.  

Purpose-built for scalability and real-world impact, AirGo directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the growth of smart cities.  

“The system’s mobility allows for the monitoring of extensive areas, facilitating the precise identification of environmental issues,” said KAUST Bioengineering Ph.D. candidate Yurii Tsyban. “Equipped with GPS and a global system for mobile communications, AirGo tracks vehicle locations and transmits data to the cloud, providing users with real-time, accurate environmental information.”  

Along with Tsyban, developers of this KAUST technology include Professor Khaled Nabil Salama, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Professor Ibrahim Hoteit, Earth Science and Engineering, research specialist Eckaard Le Roux, as well as former research technician Alexander Przybysz and former user experience designer Dalia Khoja. 

The devices can be placed on vehicles such as cars and buses, as well as in stationary positions like streetlights, where they collect air quality data from various locations and times across the city. 

The system can measure gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and nitrogen dioxide, as well as coarse particles such as dust, fine particles from combustion, and ultrafine particles that can enter the bloodstream — providing detailed insights into air quality at a granular level.  

In response to the need for cost-effective, flexible, and comprehensive environmental monitoring, KAUST researchers developed AirGo, noted Tsyban. While traditional stationary systems often face limitations in coverage and adaptability, AirGo’s modular design allows users to swap gas modules and select sensors suited to the environment or pollutants being measured, making it effective across a wide range of conditions. 

He added: “Early users and evaluators have responded positively to AirGo, particularly appreciating its mobility and ability to collect real-time environmental data over large areas. The modular sensor design has also been noted as a valuable feature, allowing users to tailor the system to specific monitoring needs.” 

Technology readiness  

Currently, AirGo is at technology readiness level (TRL) 6, meaning it has been tested in relevant environments and is in the process of scaling up for broader use, said Tsyban. “To advance toward commercialization, the team is actively partnering with manufacturers to develop the device on a large scale.”  

Tested extensively on the KAUST campus, the system demonstrated reliable performance, accurately detecting environmental events such as dust storms and rainfall. This granular data feeds into weather and pollution models, enabling local-scale forecasting and real-time health alerts.  

Data from mobile and stationary systems are transmitted in real time via mobile networks to a cloud-based database, with live dashboards and automated alerts delivered through platforms such as Grafana. The system offers a low-cost, durable, and adaptable tool for deployment in diverse environments, including areas with limited infrastructure.  

“AirGo is expected to move toward commercial availability within the next 12 to 18 months, depending on the progress of manufacturing partnerships and regulatory approvals,” Tsyban added. “The current focus is on refining the design for large-scale production.” 

Tsyban acknowledges Professor Matthew McCabe, Environmental Science and Engineering, and the Climate and Livability Initiative for funding support, as well as Antonio Arena, Digital Experience and Innovation Lead at KAUST, and SAPTCO for collaborating on the project. 

Collaboration matters  

By filling gaps left by traditional fixed air quality monitoring stations, KAUST’s AirGo approach offers a powerful, scalable solution for managing air quality in growing cities — supporting smarter urban planning and improved public health outcomes.  

According to Tsyban, this innovative system presents opportunities for collaboration within KAUST, as well as with external partners, including government agencies and private sector organizations. Collaborations can focus on research and development, data analysis, and the implementation of environmental policies.  

“By partnering with governmental bodies, AirGo could assist in monitoring compliance with environmental regulations. Engagements with private enterprises could lead to the adoption of AirGo’s technology for corporate environmental responsibility initiatives.”