The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has announced the deployment of a doglike robot named Aurora at Fairbanks International Airport for wildlife management purposes. This innovative measure aims to enhance airport safety and operations by deterring birds and other wildlife from inhabiting areas near the runways, thus reducing the risk of potential aircraft collisions.
Aurora, described as a headless, insect-like robot with a colorful exterior, will mimic predator-like movements to spook wildlife away from the airport premises. The robot, roughly the size of a large dog, is equipped with flashing green lights and is designed to traverse rugged terrain, including rocks and stairs. The Alaska DOT&PF introduced Aurora via a short video posted on Instagram, referring to it as the department’s “new hire.”
While the introduction of Aurora has garnered attention and sparked discussion on social media, with some expressing concerns reminiscent of dystopian science fiction narratives, such as “Black Mirror,” state officials emphasize its intended purpose of wildlife mitigation. Ryan Marlow, a program manager with the Alaska DOT&PF, clarified that Aurora’s primary function is to prevent potentially hazardous encounters between aircraft and wildlife, particularly during migratory bird seasons.
Funded by a federal grant and developed by Boston Dynamics, Aurora is part of the state’s broader efforts to leverage technology for wildlife management and safety initiatives. Unlike traditional methods involving loud noises and visual deterrents, the use of a robotic predator offers a non-lethal and potentially more effective approach to wildlife mitigation at airports.
The success of Aurora’s trial run in Fairbanks will inform future decisions regarding its deployment at other airports across the state. Marlow indicated that if proven effective, similar robots could be deployed to rural airports, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional wildlife management strategies.
While the deployment of robotic technology in wildlife management represents a novel approach, officials underscore the importance of mitigating the risks posed by wildlife to aviation safety. With numerous incidents of animal strikes reported near airports annually, the introduction of innovative solutions like Aurora aims to minimize the potential for accidents and ensure the safety of air travel in Alaska.
