Radar-based tracking system for flying pollinators and pests

Applications: Conservation, wild pollinator tracking, crop pest control

Beneficial insects, such as pollinators, are crucial for ecosystem function and human food security; and insect pests can cause complete crop failures. This IP provides a way to track small animals during flight, helping to manage these insects and their impacts.

Features	Benefits
A unique system for tracking insects, using passive harmonic radar tags and a combination of radar and infrared (IR) sensors mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)	The tags are sufficiently small (2.7×2.7mm) and lightweight (15mg) for insects to carry them without modifying their behaviour No battery-life limitations or weight
To achieve close-range tacking, the system uses a camera mounted on the UAV operating at an IR wavelength selected to avoid interference from sunlight	The UAV can detect tagged insect at the fine spatial scale, and has the potential to collect data on insect movement across larger scales Allows accurate analyses of the insect’s location and behaviour and increased tracking range
Translational funding secured, prototype developed, and successful field trials completed	The system has been developed to be easily transportable and affordable The team is happy to work with licensees to apply the technology across a range of applications

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Radar-based tracking system for flying pollinators and pests

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