Flox uses AI to keep wildlife from trains and roads
TechCrunch: Flox Intelligence is building AI to keep wildlife away from trains, airports, and roads
Flox's edge devices can identify animals and use species-specific sounds to drive them away from critical infrastructure.
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A startup is developing AI-powered devices that detect wildlife near trains, airports, and roads, then emit species-specific sounds to scare animals away before collisions occur. Wildlife strikes cause significant damage and delays, with France's rail operator reporting that wandering animals affect thousands of trains annually and rank among the top causes of service disruptions. The company's system uses cameras and motion sensors to identify which animal is present and adapts its deterrent responses over time so animals do not become accustomed to repeated warnings. The approach differs from traditional methods like sirens, lights, and fences by using machine learning trained on animal behavior to respond intelligently to natural environments, which the founder argues machines typically struggle to navigate.
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