British scientists from the University of Exeter have developed a tool based on artificial intelligence (AI) VespAI. The neural network can attract Asian hornets to a monitoring station and identify them using a camera. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Communication Biology (CommsBio).
The Asian or yellow-footed hornet lives in South and Southeast Asia, but recently this species has been actively spreading into the United States and much of Europe. Insects are dangerous to humans due to their strong poison. When attacked by a swarm, hornet stings can cause anaphylactic shock and can even be fatal.
VespAI uses a compact processor to operate and remains in sleep mode until its sensors detect a wasp-sized insect.
In such a case, an AI algorithm is activated and analyzes the image to determine whether it is an Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) or a native European hornet (Vespa Crabro). If an Asian hornet is detected, the sensor sends an alert containing an image to the user, allowing identification to be verified.
According to scientists, the system is designed to optimize the fight against Asian hornets, since existing traps often destroy many beneficial insects and have little effect on the number of harmful hornets.
Before geneticists clarified The secret of hornets’ DNA that allows them to successfully invade new territories.