Raspberry Pi FarmGuard uses AI to detect troublesome wildlife and alert farmers
Samith, a maker and developer, showcases the versatility of the Raspberry Pi with his innovative project, FarmGuard, designed to monitor farmland and detect unwanted wildlife. Leveraging the capabilities of our beloved single-board computer (SBC), Samith has developed a sophisticated monitoring system that alerts users to the presence of animals that may pose a threat to crops.
The core of FarmGuard is a Raspberry Pi, complemented by an AI camera for image processing and a Blues Notecard cellular IoT board for notifications. To identify wildlife, Samith utilizes the Gravity HuskyLens Vision Sensor module, equipped with a camera capable of handling various AI tasks such as object recognition. This module features a 2-inch IPS screen for video output, enhancing the monitoring capabilities of the system. Samith trained the AI model using images of wild boar, elephants, and monkeys to ensure accurate detection.
For the hardware setup, Samith opts for a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, although a Pi 5 could also be suitable. The Pi is paired with the HuskyLens Vision Sensor and the Blues Notecard for SMS support, with all components securely housed in a laser-cut acrylic case. Running on Raspberry Pi OS Bullseye Edition, the system seamlessly integrates with the Twilio SMS Messaging API and Blues Notehub.io for efficient notification management.
Detailed instructions and code for this Raspberry Pi project are available on the official Hackster project page, allowing enthusiasts to replicate FarmGuard and contribute to its development. Samith’s innovative use of Raspberry Pi demonstrates its potential for practical applications beyond traditional computing tasks, empowering farmers with an effective tool for protecting their crops.
Read more: Raspberry Pi FarmGuard uses AI to detect troublesome wildlife and alert farmers
