Remote Autonomous Detection System for Detection of Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA).

PROJECT SUMMARYTitle: Remote Autonomous Detection System for Protection Against the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA)Principal Elman Noel Institution GearJump Technologies LLCInvestigatorCo-Principal Vander Meer Institution USDAInvestigator RobertThe Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) infest over 140 million hectares in the USA and costAmericans an estimated 7 billion dollars annually for control and to repair damage to a numberof economic sectors including Agriculture Nurseries Sod Producers. It is estimated that atleast 30% of the population in RIFA infested areas is stung per year. Overall RIFA infestationhas resulted in higher food production costs increased use of pesticides (that also harm otherbeneficial insects) increased medical and veterinary costs significant damage to equipmentand ecological impact.The Remote Autonomous Detection System (RADS) represents a novel surveillance platformdesigned to detect RIFA cost effectively. RADS relies on integration of electronics and dataanalytics to detect identify such an invasive species.RADS relies on the integration of microfluidics spatial attractants electronics and specialdigital processing algorithms to accurately detect RIFA. The system will operate autonomouslyfor 4-8 weeks and will be characterized by its small form factor (15 cm x 5 cm x 10 cm) andease of operation.The main objectives for Phase I are: to demonstrate a proof-of-concept that will attract captureand detect RIFA as well as positively identify it with a high degree of certainty using imageprocessing algorithms. Entomological experiments will be performed at the USDA ARSfacilities to demonstrate the concept. The main objectives for Phase II is to demonstrate a fullyfunctional product-grade prototype in large entomological trials consolidate IntellectualProperty (IP) and develop a business plan for mass production and commercialization.Commercial applications of the RADS platform include a number of sectors includingsurveillance in Ports Ships and Agriculture Fields. The target cost of this device is below $100which will allow massive deployment. RADS represents the next generation surveillance toolsto protect the US territory against RIFA and other invasive species providing an effectivepreventive tool for the US agricultural industry. Overall the deployment of RADS will allowsignificant improvement in the environment as well as savings in multiple economic sectorsand overall increase production US agricultural output.