Idea / Brief Description

We are establishing artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology as tools for nature and species conservation that are as natural and intuitive to use as a shovel in the garden. In doing so, we empower and relieve the burden on experts in the field through the (partial) automation of certain process steps. From a range of use cases, we’re starting with bark beetle detection in local forests using our ultralight thermal imaging drone, which detects pests at the earliest possible stage and thus helps contain their uncontrolled spread. The future will then allow us to expand our scope: from supporting poaching prevention on the African savanna to the automated inspection of solar power systems—we want to make a difference where experts still face limitations today. 

Functional Description

The technical ‘Rainger’ relieves the burden on experts in the field by taking on dangerous, monotonous, time-consuming, or even humanly impossible tasks, and can be intuitively operated by them all the way up to fully autonomous operation. To this end, we develop software and hardware that provides users with real-time data—relevant to their specific tasks and interpreted for their purposes—anytime and anywhere. In local forests, forester:s use our AI thermal imaging drone to fly over their forest area, receiving live feedback on bark beetle infestations in the relevant section of the forest—even before these infestations can be detected by the human eye from the ground. Through early detection and the resulting improved containment of the pest’s spread, we achieve... 

• Ecologically: Extending the lifespan of spruce trees until controlled and successful natural regeneration occurs; preserving the “forest” habitat
• Economically: Reducing the volume of bark beetle-damaged wood with diminished value; freeing up staff time and energy for value-adding activities
• Social: Reducing the workload on on-site experts; preserving the flexibility needed for holistic forest management; preserving local recreational areas 

Industry-Specific Technology

We harness the potential of the young TinyAI to shift intelligence from the cloud to the end device, thereby creating real-time, internet-independent solutions. To this end, we are developing a thermal imaging drone with on-board AI as our primary data acquisition technology; thanks to its ultra-lightweight design, it can be flown without a pilot’s license. Through our in-house drone construction and the design of a custom circuit board, we’ve managed to fit two cameras into a package weighing less than 250 grams and allow our machine learning and deep learning models for object detection and localization to simply fly along with the drone. This way, users receive not only the thermal image but also the real-time image and the desired analysis in real time.  

What is your vision/motivation?

There is no alternative to effective nature and species conservation, and it pushes the experts we all depend on to their (capacity) limits—we’re taking the pressure off them and doing our part. To do this, we’re using technology that many people only know from action movies to solve real-world problems and democratize AI.  In doing so, we want to take the lead and strengthen the operational teams on the ground instead of waiting for solutions “from above”—stop waiting and start acting. 

What do you need or are looking for? What kind of collaboration interests you?

As a technical startup focused on nature and species conservation based in Augsburg, Bavaria, serving the world, we’re looking to expand our specialized network (pilot clients, advocates, development partners, new team members, new use cases). We’d also appreciate feedback on software and hardware development (PCB design, AI development, prototype construction, sourcing components outside of China), and we’d love to connect with interested investors and learn about specific funding opportunities.