Drone-Enabled Bird Management for Australian Horticulture (AS24007)

This project will develop and commercialise drone-based bird deterrence solutions to help Australian horticulture reduce crop and financial losses caused by bird damage. Over three years, trials using fixed-wing and flapping-wing drones will be conducted in key growing regions, including almonds, summer and pome fruit in the Goulburn Valley, and strawberries in Caboolture. Evidence-based best practice guidelines will be created for growers, tailored to bird species, crop types, and operating conditions. 

The project aims to deliver practical, scalable, and environmentally responsible strategies that protect crops without harming wildlife. By leveraging AERIUM Analytics’ RoBird technology and complementary tools, the initiative is expected to improve fruit quality and yield, reduce habituation, and set a new benchmark for bird control in agriculture.