New autonomous technologies target mosquitoes using drones and lasers

New technological approaches are emerging to combat mosquitoes using autonomous systems rather than traditional pesticides.

French startup Tornyol System has developed an autonomous drone prototype designed to target female mosquitoes, which are responsible for biting and disease transmission. The device uses acoustic sensors and miniaturized microphones to identify the specific wing-beat signature of the insects. By utilizing ultrasound echoes rather than cameras, the drone can operate effectively at night. Developed by engineers Alex Toussaint and Clovis Piedallu, the technology is expected to debut commercially in the United States next year, though it requires further independent testing regarding environmental impact and safety.

In a different approach, the Photon Matrix offers a tabletop device that uses lasers to eliminate mosquitoes in flight. The system employs a combination of LiDAR, radar, and artificial intelligence to create a three-dimensional map of the environment. This sensor fusion is intended to distinguish mosquitoes from other moving objects, such as pets or curtains, to ensure the laser only strikes the intended target. The safety of the device relies heavily on the software's ability to perform real-time recognition to avoid hitting humans or animals.