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Why settle for an ordinary robot when you can have a robot coyote?
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is introducing robot coyotes for airfield wildlife control, offering an innovative solution to a pressing issue.
The serious wildlife threat facing airfields today
Airfields are constantly challenged by wildlife intrusion, with birds, rabbits, and deer posing dangers on runways. Birds, in particular, present a significant threat, causing severe damage when colliding with aircraft. The U.S. Civil Air Administration even developed a “chicken gun” to test planes’ resilience against bird strikes.
Traditional methods like drones, dogs, falcons, and gas-powered cannons have been used to deter wildlife, but these approaches are not always effective in the long run.
How robot coyotes work to scare off birds and animals
The ERDC, in collaboration with wildlife biologists and the USDA National Wildlife Research Center, has developed robot coyotes over five years. These cybernetic prairie predators aim to leverage animals’ instinctual fear of coyotes to keep them away from airfields.
The initial prototypes, called Coyote Rovers, were based on Boston Dynamics Spot robots but were later replaced with Traxxas X-Maxx motorized cars for increased speed. Each vehicle carries a plastic coyote dummy, providing a realistic and intimidating presence for around $3,000 each.
Inside the U.S. Army’s testing of robot coyotes on airfields
Robot coyotes have been tested at various military airfields, demonstrating successful deterrence of birds and other animals to maintain runway safety.
Future versions of robot coyotes may include enhanced features like programmed routes, exclusion zones, and species identification capabilities, paving the way for smarter and more effective airfield wildlife control.
What the future holds for airport wildlife control technology
The ERDC and USDA-NWRC are continuously improving robot coyotes with new features such as onboard computers, artificial intelligence, cameras, and sensors. These advancements aim to create an autonomous system that can adapt to changing conditions, potentially revolutionizing wildlife management at airfields and airports.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Robot coyotes offer a creative solution to the persistent challenge of wildlife intrusion at airfields, enhancing safety for all. As these systems evolve, they could become a common sight in airports worldwide.
If robot coyotes can effectively keep wildlife away from runways, we may see more animal-inspired robots securing critical infrastructure in the future. Share your thoughts on potential developments at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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