A new smart system is being tested in Lithuania to help prevent collisions with wildlife on roads, developed by a local startup and a university.
In Lithuania, a new wildlife detection system has been introduced to address the rising number of accidents involving wild animals, exacerbated by increased traffic and urbanization. This innovative technology, known as LAUGAS, is being developed by the startup 'Dok Inovacija' in collaboration with the Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). Darius PrataΕ‘ius, the head of the startup, highlights that the smart system operates independently without requiring complex infrastructure adjustments or high-tech vehicle solutions, making it quickly deployable in high-risk areas of the road network.
The smart system relies on infrared sensors to detect wildlife, facilitating its function without necessitating additional external setups. During daylight hours, the technology engages in an energy-saving mode and switches to active monitoring during dusk and nighttime, crucial periods for animal movements. The development team, including KTU professors and researchers, aims to enhance road safety for both drivers and animals with this groundbreaking approach to accident prevention.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for technological solutions to mitigate risks on the road due to wildlife encounters. As traffic volumes rise and natural habitats diminish, innovations like the LAUGAS system could become essential in improving safety measures on roads in Lithuania and possibly beyond, paving the way for similar implementations in other regions facing wildlife collision issues.
