Devon university develops AI to detect Asian hornets (6) (UK/(Europe)) - 3rd April 2024
Scientists have developed artificial intelligence (AI) to detect invasive Asian hornets, a Devon university says.
The University of Exeter said the automated system created by its researchers attracted hornets to a monitoring station and captured standardised images.
Its system, VespAI, could identify the species with "almost perfect accuracy", said the university.
The institution also said the system had been tested in the Channel Islands.
'Encouraging' results
Dr Thomas O'Shea-Wheller, from the Environment and Sustainability Institute on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall, said the goal was to develop something "cost-effective and versatile".
He also said anyone could use it, from governments to individual beekeepers.
He said: "This study tested a prototype version, and the results were encouraging.
"VespAI shows promise as a robust early warning system to detect Asian hornet ingressions into new regions."
The university said VespAI used a compact processor to operate and remained dormant unless its sensors identified an insect within the size range of a hornet.
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First reported in Europe 20 years ago, my first report on this channel is from 8 years ago. (links above).
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