Rupnagar (Punjab): Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has developed the world’s first biodiversity sensor for the farm. This advanced device is designed to transform the way of monitoring the environment and assess biodiversity.
This latest tech solution – Biodiversity Sensor and Scanner – is developed by Technology and Innovation Foundation (TIF) popularly known as AwaDH (Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub) headed by its Project Director and Dean R&D, IIT Ropar, Dr Pushpendra Pal Singh.
AwaDH, an innovation centre set up by the Government of India (GoI) has collaborated with international partners like Syngenta Group, the University of Zurich, Biodiscovery Lifesciences, Fraunhofer Institute, INRAE France, and others to create the device offering a groundbreaking solution for conservation efforts worldwide.
This device is designed to change the way we protect nature. It can keep track of insects and measure things like temperature, humidity, and light in the environment, all in real time with high accuracy. This will make it easier for scientists, conservationists, and policymakers to study nature, protect wildlife, and understand the health of our planet better than ever before.
This effort highlights IIT Ropar’s strong commitment to using advanced technology to support nature and promote sustainable development. “With the Biodiversity Sensor, we aim to help conservationists, researchers, and policymakers around the world protect and preserve the delicate balance of life on Earth,” said Dr Radhika Trikha, Chief Executive Officer, IIT Ropar, TIF (AwaDH).
About its deployment and commercial use, she informed that this device has been put to use at over 30 locations around the world, including places like Spain, Germany, France, the UK, and Nasik, India. “Its worldwide rollout has shown how well it meets the need for accurate and reliable tools to monitor biodiversity on a large scale,” she added.
Key Features:
Modular Design: Built with three main parts—a processing unit for data, a power system for energy efficiency, and a high-quality camera for capturing clear images of insects.
Smart Controller: Gathers and manages data about temperature, humidity, and light levels while running the sensors efficiently.
4G Connectivity & Cloud Support: Sends data instantly to online platforms, with a local backup on an SD card for safety.
Reliable Power Management: Designed for consistent performance, even with battery backup.
Easy to Use: Simple setup and operation with an accessible interface.
Competitive advantage:
Precision and Scalability: Works well in all environments, from jungles to cities, and easily scales up for larger biodiversity studies.
AI-Powered Insights: Accurately identifies insect species, spots ecological trends, and detects issues like invasive species or declining pollinators.
Affordable: Cost-effective for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers.
Comprehensive Monitoring: Tracks key environmental factors to provide a complete picture of ecosystem health.
Positive Impact: Helps with pest control and conservation, boosting crop productivity and promoting ecotourism.
