{"id":109079,"date":"2026-03-02T21:57:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T00:57:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tech.einnews.com\/article\/897039204"},"modified":"2026-03-02T21:57:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T00:57:16","slug":"ai-technology-detectsa-real-timea-koala-crossinga-in-first-for-fielda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/03\/02\/ai-technology-detectsa-real-timea-koala-crossinga-in-first-for-fielda\/","title":{"rendered":"AI technology detects\u00c2\u00a0real-time\u00c2\u00a0koala crossing\u00c2\u00a0in first for field\u00c2\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

A prototype artificial intelligence-powered camera incorporated into an intelligent road sign has successfully detected and recorded a koala crossing a road in real-time on Redlands Coast, marking the first time this technology has been proven in the field.<\/p>\n

This development expands on previous research led by Griffith University that built an AI-powered database to detect and record koalas at various high-use transport crossings, and confirms intelligent detection systems can play a critical role in preventing wildlife-vehicle collisions and saving lives.<\/p>\n

The trial, led by researchers from Griffith\u2019s School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)<\/a> in partnership with the New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Telstra and Redland City Council, was part of a broader initiative funded under the New South Wales Koala Strategy to reduce koala road fatalities and support population recovery.<\/p>\n

This footage in 2022 was captured by AI-powered cameras developed by the Griffith research team, adding to the team\u2019s database for training the technology to be deployed in the real-time road sign detection project.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Griffith University had been trialling the system on the Redlands Coast since March 2025. Using edge computing \u2013 which is a decentralised IT architecture that processed data near its source \u2013 and real-time video analysis, the technology demonstrated it could detect koalas in real time as they approached or crossed a road.<\/p>\n

This successful detection laid the groundwork for future systems that could trigger roadside warning signs and improve driver responsiveness.<\/p>\n

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Deputy Head of School of ICT Professor Jun Zhou<\/a> said traditional static road signage failed to address the unpredictable timing and location of koala movements.<\/p>\n

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A koala mother and joey at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, who have supported the Griffith team\u2019s training of the AI database.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cDrivers become desensitised after repeated exposure to signs without encountering wildlife, reducing their responsiveness when real hazards arise,\u201d Professor Zhou said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis issue is further amplified during low-light conditions \u2013 particularly between dusk and dawn \u2013 when koalas are most active and visibility is poor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Koalas were facing unprecedented threats, with populations at risk due to habitat loss, disease, dog attacks and road mortality.<\/p>\n

As urban development continued to encroach on koala habitats, koalas were increasingly at risk of a car strike as they attempted to cross roads.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe successful detection of a koala proves the concept works,\u201d Professor Zhou said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith further investment, this pilot can be expanded into a scalable solution that protects more wildlife and improves public safety across high-risk corridors.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis is more than a tech milestone \u2013 it\u2019s a turning point. We now have the ability to intervene before tragedy strikes. Expanding this system could be a game-changer for koala conservation and road safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

Professor Jun Zhou<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n

\u201cBy creating responsive infrastructure that adapts to koala behaviour, we\u2019re aiming to reduce road fatalities and safeguard one of Australia\u2019s most iconic species.\u201d<\/p>\n

This development followed research contributed to by Griffith University\u2019s Dr Douglas Kerlin<\/a> that found the koala population in Redlands City Council had stabilised with no evidence of continued decline since 2018.<\/p>\n

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Redland City Council Mayor Jos Mitchell said the findings reflected years of council investment in science-based conservation, technology and community-led programs.<\/p>\n