Remote Autonomous Detection System (RADS) for early detection and identifcation of the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA)

Project SummaryTitle: The Remote Autonomous Detection System (RADS) for Early Detection of the RedImported Fire Ant (RIFA)PIElman NoelInstitutionGearJump Technologies LLCCo-PIVander Meer RobertInstitutionUSDAThe Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) infest over 140 million hectares in the USA and costAmericans an estimated $8 billion annually for control and damage repair in several economicsectors including Agriculture Electric and Communications and Nurseries. The RIFAinfestation has resulted in higher food production costs increased use of non-specific pesticidesthat also harm beneficial insects increased medical and veterinary costs significant damage tofarm equipment and the environment. About 70 million people live in areas infested by RIFAand 15 million people are stung annually. RIFA's huge economic impact can be significantlyreduced if RIFA is detected early and treated resulting in reduced colony population densities.The Remote Autonomous Detection System (RADS) is an advanced early warning systemplatform designed to detect identify and notify end users of the target invasive species. It is acompact portable and rugged system. RADS weighs less than 0.25 pounds (100 grams) and iswater-resistant. The system utilizes a high-resolution camera and micro-controller to identifythe targeted vector in real-time and uploads the image to a cloud-based dashboard for validationand alerts to users. During Phase I a proof of concept was achieved showing the RADS wasable to detect the RIFA with a ~95 % identification accuracy. During Phase II the mainobjectives are: I) finalize product development including wireless communication andimproved detection algorithms and power electronics; II) perform field trials at the USDA forproduct validation under real conditions; III) expand and consolidate Intellectual Property; IV)achieve a market-ready product and finalize the commercialization plan for product launch.The deployment of RADS will allow industry players to intelligently manage resources suchas insecticide use and thus minimize negative environmental impact. The RADS thereforewill be highly valuable and relevant for agriculture nurseries sod producers electric andcommunications infrastructure airports households schools and other sectors impacted byRIFA. The RADS represents the next generation surveillance tools to protect against RIFA andimportantly RADS can be readily adapted to other invasive species providing effectivepreventive tools for multiple economic sectors and targets.