How do you tell birds to stay away from your crops? 

You send them flying with a stern warning delivered in their own language.

It may sound like a far-fetched scenario, but that is the premise of BirdSol’s Cherrp® technology, which is being fast-tracked through the GroundUp program.

Aiming to tackle the ongoing impact of widespread bird damage to crops, the e-powered, bird-deterrent solution recognises birds and communicates with them in their own language. 

More specifically, the technology uses machine vision to identify a particular targeted species, while advanced AI algorithms then select contextual bio-acoustic sounds to play in the birds’ own language, to either repel or, if they’re a desirable species, attract them.

BirdSol CEO Dr John Kapeleris said Cherrp® aimed to solve a major problem across the grains industry and wider horticulture sector.

“Bird damage to crops is a huge problem in Australia, with estimates this can take 30-40% of crop yield,” the Brisbane-based innovator said.

“More than 60 bird species are known to damage horticultural crops, and solutions such as netting, slaughter, boom guns, audio devices and laser technology can either be ineffective, costly or unsustainable.

“Cherrp® recognises birds by species using both visual and audible detection systems, communicates to them in their own languages, and sends them flying to alternate feeding sites.”

Dr Kapeleris said Cherrp® had some major points of difference to other solutions in the market.

“Our technology targets specific bird species, so it doesn’t scare away those beneficial to the farm, such as insectivores,” he said.

“The AI machine learning allows us to modify bird behaviour by using bird vocalisations which the target species recognise, hence avoids them becoming accustomed to the sounds.” 

He said commercial demonstration trials had confirmed Cherrp’s® effectiveness to be greater than 98%, thereby increasing crop yields.