IC2 proposes to build a low-cost novel ultrasonic sensor optimized for detection of insects. The product will consists of a MEMS sensor and a complementary wireless data acquisition system embedded in environmentally hardened casing. The sensors will be remote will optimize power consumption so that they can be powered by a solar panel and a battery and will transmit data wirelessly. The prototype sensor system and characterization would be the end product of a Phase I. A phase II would allow for the development of a data library of characterized insect noises using wavelet analysis an iteration on the prototype and accompanying validation field work. Many insects produce high frequency noise. The character and quality of this information may be used for the purposes of identification while the amplitude may be used for estimation of population. Dr. Mankin has done many studies that indicate the feasibility of such an approach. IC2 can redesign existing technology it produces for aerospace clients to increase the microphone sensitivity in the 1-50 kHz range and these microphones can be validated on a number of pest species. The army worm moth causes more than 6 billion dollars of damage annually in the US and early detection and identification of ultrasonic signals produced by such an infestation could allow for rapid targeted treatment. The commercialization plan would initially target agricultural researchers and entomologist and then use that customer base to refine a cost-effective product that could be widely deployed by farmers.
USDA – NIFA