Student Team Wins Hackathon with AI Street Light Detection System
King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang won the CDG Hackathon 2026 with Night Watch, an AI system that detects faulty street lights on highways using satellite imagery and GIS technology, reducing maintenance costs by over 90 perc
Students from 18 universities across Thailand competed in the CDG Hackathon 2026 under the theme 'AI for a Better Society Platform,' with the LUMOS team from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang taking first prize for their Night Watch system. The solution uses AI combined with GIS technology and satellite imagery to automatically detect and locate faulty street lights on national highways, allowing officials to repair problems quickly and accurately while reducing expenses by more than 90 percent.
The project addresses the inefficiency of traditional street light maintenance, which relied on manual labor and high budgets while failing to identify all faults comprehensively. Night Watch analyzes current conditions against historical data to pinpoint defects with precision, reflecting how young engineers can turn technology into real-world innovation that benefits society. The hackathon challenged participants to develop AI solutions addressing three national priorities: improving quality of life, creating transparent and accessible public services, and ensuring sustainable management of natural resources.
Dr. Thanaporn Thitisawadi, representing the CDG Group, emphasized that AI is not merely a productivity tool but a critical mechanism for driving Thailand's digital transformation across social, environmental, and public service dimensions. The CDG Group aims to nurture the next generation of digital talent and help young innovators grow into leaders who will propel Thailand toward a better future.
