The NSW Government is preparing to trial artificial intelligence technology that detects animals on roads and warns drivers in real time. The system, called PAWS (Protective Animal Wildlife System), uses AI and thermal imaging cameras to identify animals approaching or crossing the road, instantly activating illuminated roadside warning signs.
Trial location and timing
The technology will begin operating on a 300-metre section of the Monaro Highway between Canberra and Cooma from August. This stretch has been described as the worst in Australia for wildlife strikes.
How PAWS works
Developed in partnership with Symbio Wildlife Park near Wollongong and Transport for NSW, the AI has been trained to recognise the appearance and behaviour of different animals, with a particular focus on kangaroos due to their unpredictable movements.
NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison explained the system on Sunrise: “It has a thermal camera so it gets their heat signature as well as knowing it’s been trained, seeing lots and lots of images of kangaroos from across the internet, from the wildlife park and seeing that that is an animal by the way it moves, what it looks like.”
Unlike traditional wildlife warning signs, PAWS only activates when an animal is detected, providing a real-time alert. “We’ll send the message to the sign to light up to let the motorists know that there is an animal on the road right now,” Aitchison said.
Cost and future expansion
The initial trial carries a price tag of about $500,000, but Aitchison noted much of that cost is associated with establishing the technology. She said the cost is expected to fall significantly if the technology is deployed more widely.
The success of the trial will be measured by whether it reduces wildlife strikes in the area, with hopes to expand the program across the state. “We’re very excited that that technology will be able to be used to reduce wildlife strikes in that area and hopefully we can roll it out across the state,” Aitchison said.
