A new detection system based on artificial intelligence could limit the invasion of Asian hornets

While Europe is losing its battle against the invasion of Asian hornets, a new solution could well come from England. Scientists from the University of Exeter have developed VespAI, an automated detection system that uses artificial intelligence to attract hornets to a monitoring station.

Standardized images are then captured using an aerial camera, enabling an alert to be triggered and authorities to act quickly. This innovation was described in a new study published in the journal Communications Biology.

AI based system

“Our goal was to develop something cost-effective and versatile so that everyone from governments to beekeepers individuals, may use it’ Dr. Thomas O’Shea-Wheller of the Institute of Environment and Sustainability at Exeter’s Penryn campus reported in the study.

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“This study tested a prototype version and the results were encouraging. VespAI shows promise as a robust early warning system for detecting Asian hornet ingressions in new regions.”

The inactive VespAI only activates when its sensors detect a hornet-sized insect. If so, the system’s AI algorithm activates and analyzes the image to determine whether it is an Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) or European hornet (Vespa crabro). If an invasive hornet is identified, an alert image is sent to the user to confirm the identification.

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This system would allow more reliable detection than existing techniques. The UK, for example, relies on public reporting. “Unfortunately, the majority of reports submitted are of misidentified native species, meaning responsible agencies must manually verify thousands of images each year. Our system is therefore focused on providing vigilant, accurate and automated monitoring capabilities to correct this problem.”stressed Dr. Peter Kennedy who conceptualized the system.

Before adding: “In some parts of Europe, detection relies on trapping hornets, but these traps kill many insect native and have little effect on Asian hornet numbers. VespAI does not kill non-target insects, thus eliminating the environmental impact of trapping, while ensuring that live hornets can be captured and traced back to the nest, the only effective way to destroy them.”.

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Very encouraging tests

It was extensively tested on the island of Jersey to verify the effectiveness of the system. The Channel Islands, located just 20 km off the coast of France, are experiencing numerous invasions of Asian hornets from France. The results obtained are very encouraging: VespAI was able to identify and distinguish Asian hornets from other insects, even when they were present in large numbers.

“That’s the advantage of our system: its high accuracy means it won’t falsely identify other species, nor will you miss a visit from Asian hornets.”welcomed Dr. O’Shea-Wheller.

“The proposed device could prove to be a powerful tool for early detection of the presence of Asian hornets in an area, thus filling an important gap”concluded Alistair Christie, Jersey’s Senior Science Manager for Invasive Species.