Japanese drone school develops AI system to track bears amid rise in encounters
The new system being developed in Akita prefecture can detect bears and share their locations via smartphones
The new system being developed by D-Academy Tohoku in Gojome, Akita prefecture, will be able to detect bears hidden from view in mountainous or urban areas and share their locations via smartphones.
It is expected to be available next year, and local authorities are already showing a keen interest.
The aircraft, measuring 98cm (38 inches) in length, 76cm (30 inches) in width and 48cm (19 inches) in height, will be equipped with a night-vision camera and an infrared camera for measuring temperatures.
Upon receiving a sighting report, a pilot will launch the aircraft and fly it over the area while it sends images.
These images are analysed by AI software installed on a PC, and if a bear is detected, the aircraft switches to autonomous flight and tracks the animal.