KAUST Scientists Develop Affordable AI Drone System For Tracking Camels In Saudi Arabia

A team of researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has developed an affordable drone system powered by AI to identify and monitor camels from above. This innovation offers a cost-effective solution for camel herders in Saudi Arabia, allowing them to maintain traditional practices while also providing scientists with valuable data on camel migration patterns.

The system, designed by Professor Basem Shihada and his team, utilises low-cost commercial drones equipped with cameras. This setup enables real-time tracking of camels without the need for costly GPS collars or satellite links. The researchers employed a single drone-mounted camera to gather aerial footage of small camel herds in Saudi Arabia, subsequently training their AI model through machine learning techniques.

Chun Pong Lau, a scientist at KAUST involved in the project, noted that the AI model uncovered non-random migration patterns among camels. "We found their migration patterns were not random but showed identifiable patterns," he stated. The study revealed that elder camels exhibited coordinated grazing migrations over long distances during the day, consistently returning to their herder by sunset.

Camels have been integral to Arabian culture for centuries, serving as transportation, food sources, and cultural symbols linked to the desert. Today, they contribute over SAR2 billion annually to Saudi Arabia's economy through sectors like food production, textiles, and tourism. Despite this economic significance, herding remains challenging due to camels' extensive daily roaming of up to 50 kilometers across remote areas.

This extensive mobility can lead to issues such as road accidents, overgrazing, and livestock loss. To mitigate these challenges, the KAUST team ensured that drones remained at least 120 meters above ground to avoid disturbing the camels with noise. The researchers plan to expand their study by collecting video footage of larger camel herds with diverse sizes and colors to enhance their AI system's accuracy.

The insights gained from this research could significantly aid in understanding camel behaviour better and improving herd management practices. By leveraging technology in traditional practices, there is potential for increased efficiency and safety in camel herding across Saudi Arabia's vast landscapes.

With inputs from SPA