In a bid to enhance road safety and protect wildlife, advanced Predator cameras from 360 Vision Technology are being implemented in a novel setup across the Netherlands’ rural roads. This initiative is part of a unique solution, AISecure360, aiming to safeguard both road users and the rich biodiversity of the region.
The UK-based producer, known for ruggedised HD, radar, and thermal PTZ imaging cameras, contributes pivotal technology to this standalone safety solution. With a focus on mitigating wildlife-related incidents, AISecure360 addresses the increasing challenges posed by animals wandering onto roads, which have led to a rise in accidents and significant costs both materially and environmentally.
The AISecure360 system accurately detects wildlife near roadways and informs approaching drivers through automated road signs. Gert Hamberg of ProWild explains, “Here in the Netherlands, we have an expansive road network that crosses vast distances of rural land. Wildlife collisions are a constant issue that have increased 6% each year.” This system strives to minimise such incidents by providing real-time data to drivers, enhancing their ability to react appropriately and maintain road safety.
By employing cutting-edge radar technology from Magos Systems, the system ensures that animals are detected accurately, even in challenging conditions. Andy Payne from Magos Systems notes, “Relying on cutting-edge radar technologies, our radars achieve perfect detection performance for all types of threats.”
Upon detecting an animal, a 360 Vision Technology Predator camera takes over, zooming in and tracking the target. Gert Hamberg states, “The 360 Vision Predator is the flagship product of the 360 Vision range and was a natural choice for reliable technology.” Designed to deliver superior image quality under various conditions, the Predator camera plays a crucial role in the effective operation of the AISecure360 system.
The all-metal construction of the Predator aligns well with the diverse operational requirements, making it a robust surveillance option in any weather. Adrian Kirk of 360 Vision Technology highlighted, “HD clarity with powerful 40x optical zoom and great low light performance mean that any animal can be tracked.”
The system is further empowered by VAIBS’ Vaidio Video AI Analytics, which processes the captured data to assess potential threats. “In this case, the Vaidio AI-driven Video Analytics platform goes beyond traditional camera surveillance, turning data into immediate, actionable insights,” elaborates Jos Stijkel of VAIBS. The platform’s ability to provide real-time insights and automatic alert features ensures timely responses to potential hazards.
The AI system efficiently classifies animals, assessing how they might impact road safety and ensuring an appropriate reaction to each detected threat. This automation also helps emergency services respond swiftly to accidents detected through integrated analytics.
The combined use of advanced technologies enables a reduction in road infrastructure requirements. Hamberg mentions, “Coverage can be expanded to hundreds of metres from one camera position,” which cuts down on installation and maintenance needs.
In addition to increasing safety, the system has positively influenced local ecosystems by reducing wildlife accidents and allowing natural populations to thrive. As a result, it has not only prevented over 1,600 accidents but also saved approximately €8 million in damage, marking a significant advance in both ecological and road safety.
