Economics & Development

The artificial intelligence (AI) Repeller system uses an AI-powered smart camera trap to monitor approaching elephants. When the camera detects elephants, an at-a-distance alarm is triggered and the Repeller produces sounds (both natural and human-made, including songs) and flashes of light to deter the elephants. The camera trap and Repeller are positioned at least 500 meters apart so that the elephants are not startled but rather gradually hear more noises coming from the distance. The goal of the AI Repeller system, developed by Hack the Planet, is to address known challenges to existing elephant repellent methods, namely: high cost, high level of stress imposed on the elephants, and low long-term effectiveness (due to habituation, meaning elephants grow accustomed to the deterrent).