AI-operated scarecrows emit occasional distress sounds
In Switzerland, a groundbreaking AI-based approach is being tested to repel ravens and crows from fields. The project, named ETHIC, is a five-year research initiative funded by the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (BLW) from 2026, and is coordinated by Agroscope.
The problem at hand is the damage caused by ravens and crows to newly sown winter cereals, young maize, and sunflower fields. These birds can learn quickly, posing a challenge for deterrent techniques that must be faster than their ability to adapt.
The ETHIC project, conducted by ETH Zurich, aims to develop an intelligent, adaptable system with AI for the recognition and repelling of crows. The AI system employs an irregular honking sound to deter the birds, and it is designed to reduce the use of acoustic shock effects to prevent the birds from getting used to it.
Agroscope, a research institution based in Switzerland that focuses on agriculture and food, is testing new types of scarecrows equipped with automatic bird recognition and an acoustic shock effect. The project also involves the study of local "dialects" of crows and how they adapt to being scared.
The testing of the new AI-based scarecrows is part of a larger effort to find effective ways to repel crows and ravens from fields. Other deterrent techniques being tested include treating seeds with repellent agents, intercropping with camouflaged seed rows, and different types of scarecrows.
The project focuses on autumn sowing conditions and the emergence of crops. The goal is to ultimately contribute to finding better protection for newly sown field crops. A comparative ethnological study on animal behaviour will identify warning calls of different raven species in various geographic regions.
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The project involves research areas that go beyond Swiss borders, making it a significant contribution to the global agricultural community. The analysis of crow behaviour towards these possibilities aims to provide valuable insights into effective bird repellent strategies.
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