A multidisciplinary research team from China and Brazil has developed a novel method for finding Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) using a robot dog integrated with artificial intelligence. The study, published in the *Pest Management Science* journal, demonstrates that the “CyberDog” robot, equipped with a machine learning model, can significantly outperform human inspectors in identifying RIFA nests, locating three times more nests with greater accuracy.
The research, led by Eduardo Fox from the State University of Goiás in Brazil and Hualong Qiu from the Guangdong Academy of Forestry in China, was motivated by the challenges of detecting RIFA nests in large, often inhospitable areas. Traditional methods, which rely on human inspectors, are labor-intensive and limited by environmental conditions. In contrast, the CyberDog can operate autonomously, without the need for specially trained personnel, and perform searches under various weather conditions.
The CyberDog, a product of Xiaomi, was integrated with a machine learning model trained on over 1,100 images of RIFA nests. Field tests revealed that the robot achieved a detection precision rate exceeding 90%. The robot was programmed to disturb the nests with its front paw, triggering aggressive behavior in active mounds, which is essential for distinguishing them from abandoned nests or those of other species.
The study underscores the global threat posed by RIFA, an invasive species originally introduced to the United States in the 1930s and now widespread in various regions, including China, Japan, and Europe. These ants are known for their rapid proliferation and ability to displace local wildlife, as well as their association with agricultural pests.
While the research shows promise, the team acknowledges challenges in scaling up the technology, particularly concerning the robot’s battery life and the high cost of more advanced models. However, they are optimistic that costs will decrease over time, making the technology more accessible.
Additionally, the researchers believe that the use of robot dogs could enhance public awareness of the dangers posed by fire ants. The visibility of these robots in urban environments is expected to draw public attention to the presence and risks of invasive RIFA nests, potentially influencing pest control policies.
Photo credit Dr Hualong Qiu, Guangdong Academy of Forestry
