VespAI: The AI Combatting the Invasion of Asian Hornets

Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) pose a major threat to bees, with predators capturing up to 50 bees per day. The invasion of these predatory insects is already a reality in continental Europe and recently reported in the United Kingdom.

When innovation serves to protect

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed an early warning system, VespAI, which uses artificial intelligence to detect Asian hornets. Their study appeared in the journal Communications Biology.

Using this device, the hornets are attracted to a monitoring station where an aerial camera captures images for identification. Once detected, hornets trigger an alert on operators' devices, allowing nests to be found more efficiently.

VespAI ensures that live hornets can be traced back to the nest, which is the only effective way to destroy them “, explained project participant Peter Kennedy to The Guardian.

An asset for the environment

VespAI offers a more effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional control methods. Tests have shown encouraging results, and the system will soon be deployed in collaboration with government agencies and beekeeping associations.

Our goal was to develop something cost-effective and versatile, so that everyone – from governments to individual beekeepers – could use it “, Thomas O'Shea-Wheller of the Institute of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Exeter told the newspaper.

Early detection is essential to control their spread, hence the importance of systems like this in preserving bees and the ecosystem.

With this innovative technology, researchers hope to protect bees and the environment while ensuring expanded use of VespAI.

Article originally published in April 2024

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