Alaska’s Fairbanks airport has taken a unique approach to wildlife management by introducing a robotic dog named Aurora, inspired by the beautiful aurora borealis. This headless robot, similar in size to a Labrador Retriever, will be disguised as either a coyote or fox to deter birds and other wildlife from the airport grounds.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities showcased the capabilities of Aurora through an Instagram video, demonstrating its agility on various terrains, including climbing rocks and stairs. The robotic dog, equipped with colorful panels representing the northern lights, is set to patrol the airport’s outdoor areas every hour to prevent potential hazards caused by wildlife near the runways.
Aurora, developed in-house by Boston Dynamics and funded through a federal grant, is a high-tech solution designed to mimic predator-like movements and deter animals from approaching the airport. This innovative approach aims to reduce the risk of bird strikes, which can be costly and dangerous for aircraft.
While previous methods involved using loud sounds or even releasing pigs near airports, Aurora represents a more advanced and efficient wildlife deterrent. The robot’s ability to be remotely controlled and operate in various weather conditions makes it a promising option for wildlife management in the region.
The test period in Fairbanks will evaluate Aurora’s effectiveness in handling larger animals like moose and bears, with the potential for similar robots to be deployed at other Alaskan airports in the future. With its capabilities and unique design, Aurora signifies a significant step forward in wildlife hazard reduction and aviation safety in Alaska.
