Early RoBird trials in Australian almond orchards recorded an 89 per cent reduction in fruit loss within monitored trial blocks and a 94 per cent bird displacement rate following engagement with the technology.

Now, the biomimetic drone is being put to the test in strawberries.

In this video, Tim Harris takes us onto his farm in Moreton Bay, Queensland, to share the challenge birds create for his crop, his experience of testing RoBird and what another effective management option could mean for his business.

Watch: RoBird takes flight on Tim Harris’ strawberry farm

A different approach to bird management

Bird damage remains a significant challenge across Australian horticulture, affecting both crop yield and quality.

While growers have a range of management tools available, maintaining their effectiveness can be difficult. Birds can become accustomed to noise and static visual deterrents, reducing their impact over time.

RoBird has been developed with that challenge in mind.

The biomimetic drone system, is designed to mimic the appearance and flight behaviour of a bird of prey. Rather than relying on noise or a fixed visual presence, it aims to trigger a natural predator response and encourage pest birds to leave production areas before damage occurs.

The early almond trials showed more than an immediate reduction in fruit loss and bird activity. According to AERIUM Analytics, RoBird’s effectiveness increased throughout the trial period, with no signs that birds were becoming accustomed to the technology.

“Beyond the initial results, what stands out is the system’s ability to shape bird behaviour over time. We observed increasing effectiveness throughout the trial period, with no signs of habituation,” said Jill Viccars, Chief Growth Officer at AERIUM Analytics.

“This is critical for growers, as it allows for sustained protection and a more strategic approach to managing bird pressure across the season. Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding operations and supporting broader adoption of the system across Australian horticulture.”

From almonds to strawberries

The almond results provide a compelling starting point, but bird species, crops, growing environments and production systems vary considerably.

The trial on Tim Harris’ farm is helping researchers understand how RoBird performs in strawberries and how it could fit alongside the bird-management practices growers already use.

It forms part of a broader phase of commercial testing designed to identify where the technology works best, how consistently it performs and the conditions in which it could offer growers the greatest value.

Building practical guidance for growers

The goal is not simply to determine whether RoBird can move birds away from a crop.

Researchers want to understand where it works best, whether its early impact can be repeated across horticulture and how it can be integrated into existing bird-management strategies.

RoBird is not intended to replace the practices growers already use. Instead, it could provide another option within a broader management approach, particularly where birds are becoming accustomed to traditional deterrents.

Through trials across multiple industries, the project is building the evidence needed to understand where RoBird fits and the role it could play in helping growers reduce crop loss and protect yield, quality and value.