Agroscope, Switzerland’s agricultural research centre, is innovating in crop protection against corvids, such as crows and rooks, which threaten freshly sown maize and sunflower fields. Traditional scare tactics, like horns and scarecrows, have proven ineffective as these birds quickly adapt. To counter this challenge, Agroscope is implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to develop intelligent scarecrows equipped with detection cameras and sound alarms. These avant-garde prototypes aim to mimic the birds’ natural responses more effectively than existing methods. The project also involves analyzing various corvid warning calls to account for regional “dialects,” further enhancing the system’s efficacy. With financial backing from the Federal Office for Agriculture, the initiative seeks to devise a solution by 2026, focusing on outsmarting these adaptable birds to protect valuable agricultural crops. This groundbreaking approach underscores the importance of integrating technology in sustainable farming practices while addressing modern agricultural challenges.
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