TTD explores robotic dog for wildlife monitoring, devotee safety
Tirumala, Aug 20 (TNT): The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is exploring the deployment of a quadruped robotic dog equipped with artificial intelligence and advanced surveillance technology for real-time wildlife monitoring and enhancing devotee safety in the forest areas of Tirumala.
TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, along with officials, reviewed the performance of the robotic dog at Sri Padmavathi Guest House here on Thursday.
The officials assessed the robot’s suitability for surveillance in difficult and hazardous terrain where access by personnel is challenging.
The robotic dog is equipped with optical and thermal imaging cameras, 360-degree LiDAR, multiple sensors and artificial intelligence capabilities, enabling it to detect and track wildlife in low-visibility conditions, including darkness and fog.
The AI-based system can classify large animals, humans, vehicles and domestic animals.
Upon detecting wildlife movement, it can generate geo-tagged alerts and transmit live video and thermal feeds to the control room and patrolling personnel for immediate response.
The forest stretches adjoining the Alipiri-Tirumala footpath have been identified as a priority area, where early detection of leopards and other wildlife could help alert devotees and facilitate the rapid deployment of forest, vigilance and security personnel.
Officials also examined the possibility of using the robot’s sound and light systems to deter animals from entering pilgrim areas without direct human-wildlife intervention.
The proposed system would supplement existing surveillance measures, including camera traps, foot patrols and forest monitoring, rather than replace them.
The robotic dog could be deployed as a mobile monitoring unit in locations reporting increased wildlife activity.
The video, thermal imagery and movement data collected by the robot could help officials study wildlife movement patterns and improve patrol scheduling and surveillance deployment in critical areas, TTD said.
TNT TS
