Scientists from Heriot-Watt University have developed a system that uses lasers and artificial intelligence technology to target the problem of cockroaches.
Household cockroaches can live in populations that number into the millions. They can spoil food and appliances, but are also a serious health hazard, triggering allergic reactions and the development of asthma.
Various, often imperfect methods are used to try and control cockroaches, from mechanical tools such as sticky traps to chemical approaches using gels and pastes. However, traps have a limited range and the long-term use of chemical treatments can make cockroaches resistant to insecticides.
However, the cockroaches’ days could soon be numbered after a new system using artificial intelligence and lasers was unveiled, designed by a scientist at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
Ildar Rakhmatulin tested his AI system on cockroaches last year. His design was built using affordable, off-the-shelf equipment and detects cockroaches with high accuracy from 1.2m.
The system relies on machine vision, which basically gives a computer the ability to see. Two cameras send signals back to the computer, which pinpoints the cockroach’s position.
That information is then used to point a laser at the cockroach. Machine vision then confirms whether the cockroach is still moving or not.
Turning the heat up on the laser meant they could neutralise, or kill, the cockroaches from up to 1.2m.
“This laser system is a selective and eco-friendly pest control method. It’s extremely promising,” said Rakhmatulin. “It’s a tunable system, so it could be used to protect against mosquitos, to keep predatory hornets away from bees or parasites from valuable crops or stores.”
Rakhmatulin has published his methods, data and the equipment the team used online. However, the open-source information comes with a warning: “This system is not suitable for household use. The laser used will cause blindness or serious damage to the eyes.
“I’m sorry for people with cockroaches in their house, but this isn’t the solution for them.”
The world’s cockroaches can breathe again – at least for now.
Source: E&T
