Australian animals have starred in the development of new AI technology to prevent wildlife collisions.
Koalas, wombats and kangaroos at Symbio Wildlife Park were under surveillance for months, so researchers could gather as much movement data as possible.
“Trying to get footage of a koala in the wild would be like a needle in a haystack,” Symbio’s Kevin Fallon said.
It’s all in the name of science: the development of the Transport for NSW Protective Animal Warning Sydney (PAWS).
“We’ve got a thermal camera and an optical camera, and together they detect whether an animal is on the road and that sends a signal to the smart signage,” project executive director Angelique Easton said.
The cameras will be trialled along the Monaro Highway between Canberra and Cooma for 12 months, and will be able to detect animals from within 300 metres.
Some 60 million images of animals have been installed in the system to detect animals and alert drivers.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the $500,000 trial is cheaper than installing fencing or overpasses for animals.
“We’ve got to keep wildlife corridors connected”, she said.
“This is technology that could potentially roll out in other parts of Australia and help other states.”
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