SBIR-STTR Award

The Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) infest over 140 million hectares in the USA and cost Americans an estimated 7 billion dollars annually for control and to repair damage to a number of economic sectors including Agriculture Nurseries Sod Producers. It is estimated that at least 30% of the population in RIFA infested areas is stung per year. Overall RIFA infestation has resulted in higher food production costs increased use of pesticides (that also harm other beneficial insects) increased medical and veterinary costs significant damage to equipment and ecological impact. The Remote Autonomous Detection System (RADS) represents a novel surveillance platform designed to detect RIFA cost effectively. RADS relies on integration of electronics and data analytics to detect identify such an invasive species. RADS relies on the integration of microfluidics spatial attractants electronics and special digital processing algorithms to accurately detect RIFA. The system will operate autonomously for 4-8 weeks and will be characterized by its small form factor (15 cm x 5 cm x 10 cm) and ease of operation. The main objectives for Phase I are: to demonstrate a proof-of-concept that will attract capture and detect RIFA as well as positively identify it with a high degree of certainty using image processing algorithms. Entomological experiments will be performed at the USDA ARS facilities to demonstrate the concept. The main objectives for Phase II is to demonstrate a fully functional product-grade prototype in large entomological trials consolidate Intellectual Property (IP) and develop a business plan for mass production and commercialization. Commercial applications of the RADS platform include a number of sectors including surveillance in Ports Ships and Agriculture Fields. The target cost of this device is below $100 which will allow massive deployment. RADS represents the next generation surveillance tools to protect the US territory against RIFA and other invasive species providing an effective preventive tool for the US agricultural industry. Overall the deployment of RADS will allow significant improvement in the environment as well as savings in multiple economic sectors and overall increase production US agricultural output.

The Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) infest over 140 million hectares in the USA and cost Americans an estimated $8 billion annually for control and damage repair in several economic sectors including Agriculture Electric and Communications and Nurseries. The RIFA infestation has resulted in higher food production costs increased use of non-specific pesticides that also harm beneficial insects increased medical and veterinary costs significant damage to farm equipment and the environment. About 70 million people live in areas infested by RIFA and 15 million people are stung annually. RIFA's huge economic impact can be significantly reduced if RIFA is detected early and treated resulting in reduced colony population densities. The Remote Autonomous Detection System (RADS) is an advanced early warning system platform designed to detect identify and notify end users of the target invasive species. It is a compact portable and rugged system. RADS weighs less than 0.25 pounds (100 grams) and is water-resistant. The system utilizes a high-resolution camera and micro-controller to identify the targeted vector in real-time and uploads the image to a cloud-based dashboard for validation and alerts to users. During Phase I a proof of concept was achieved showing the RADS was able to detect the RIFA with a ~95 % identification accuracy. During Phase II the main objectives are: I) finalize product development including wireless communication and improved detection algorithms and power electronics; II) perform field trials at the USDA for product validation under real conditions; III) expand and consolidate Intellectual Property; IV)achieve a market-ready product and finalize the commercialization plan for product launch. The deployment of RADS will allow industry players to intelligently manage resources such as insecticide use and thus minimize negative environmental impact. The RADS therefore will be highly valuable and relevant for agriculture nurseries sod producers electric and communications infrastructure airports households schools and other sectors impacted by RIFA. The RADS represents the next generation surveillance tools to protect against RIFA and importantly RADS can be readily adapted to other invasive species providing effective preventive tools for multiple economic sectors and targets.