TTD Explores Robotic Dog to Monitor Wildlife in Tirumala
They examined its suitability for surveillance in forest areas and difficult terrain where regular human patrolling could be challenging.
Tirupati:The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is exploring the use of a robotic dog to monitor wildlife movement in the Tirumala forests and improve the safety of devotees using the Alipiri-Tirumala footpath.
TTD additional executive officer Venkaiah Chowdary and officials reviewed the performance of a quadruped robotic dog in Tirumala on Thursday. They examined its suitability for surveillance in forest areas and difficult terrain where regular human patrolling could be challenging.
The robotic dog is equipped with optical and thermal imaging cameras, a 360-degree LiDAR system, multiple sensors and artificial intelligence. The combination allows it to collect visual and thermal information while moving through its surroundings and can be particularly useful during darkness, fog and other low-visibility conditions.
The AI system can classify large animals, humans, vehicles and domestic animals.
When wildlife movement is detected, the system can generate geo-tagged alerts and transmit live video and thermal feeds to the control room and patrolling teams. This could help officials identify the location of an animal and respond without immediately sending personnel into potentially risky areas.
The forest stretches adjoining the Alipiri footpath are among the priority areas being considered for such surveillance. Early detection of leopards and other wild animals could allow us to alert devotees and quickly deploy forest, vigilance and security teams, officials said.
Officials are also examining the possibility of using the robotic dog's sound and light systems that can deter animals from moving towards pilgrim areas. Such a system could help maintain a safe distance between wildlife and people and reduce the need for direct human intervention, they said.
Unlike fixed camera traps, the robotic dog can be moved to locations where wildlife activity is reported, giving officials a mobile surveillance option. Its sensors can also collect information on terrain and movement patterns, which could help in planning patrols and deploying surveillance equipment in vulnerable locations.
TTD clarified that the robotic dog would supplement, and not replace, existing camera traps, foot patrols and forest surveillance systems. The officials will assess its performance, mobility, communication and operational suitability in the Tirumala forest environment before deciding on its deployment.
