Almaty has become the first city in Kazakhstan to host an AI-powered sensor capable of detecting airborne allergens, mold spores, and microplastics in real time.

The Almaty Air Initiative Foundation has begun testing PollenSense, a new-to-Kazakhstan automatic sensor that uses artificial intelligence to identify pollen, mold spores, dust, and microplastic particles in the air in real time.

The sensor is installed on the roof of the Foundation’s office, within the block bounded by Satpayev, Baytursynov, Timiryazev, and Seifullin streets, and is currently operating in test mode.

AI algorithms analyze microscopic images of particles captured on a special adhesive tape and are being trained to recognize allergen species specific to Almaty.

This adaptation process will take one to three months.

Once calibration is complete, the collected data will become publicly available on the Foundation’s interactive air-quality dashboard, alongside PM2.5 and NO₂ indicators: https://dashboard.air.org.kz/ 

Zhuldyz Saulebekova, Executive Director of Almaty Air Initiative:

“We’ve brought to Almaty the latest AI-based aerobiological and environmental monitoring technology. Previously, detecting allergens or mold required a mobile laboratory and up to 10 days for sample analysis. Now, artificial intelligence enables us to obtain precise, real-time data on pollen and other allergens. This is especially important for Almaty, where studies show that between 20% and 40% of the population suffers from allergies, and the number continues to rise each year. With this data, residents will be able to better plan their daily activities, while doctors and researchers gain a new tool for public health studies.”

The launch of this pilot station marks the first step toward creating a citywide allergen monitoring network.

In the future, this system will allow for the creation of a detailed allergen map across Almaty’s districts and the provision of personalized recommendations for residents.

Background:

PollenSense is a U.S.-based company specializing in automated, real-time monitoring of pollen and mold spores.

Its global database currently contains over 80 million images of pollen, mold spores, microplastics, and other potentially harmful airborne particles.

Each week, the database is updated with new images from around the world, continuously improving the device’s detection accuracy.