Florida startup CrocAlarm envisions AI-powered sonars to detect alligators in water
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A conceptual rendering of CrocAlarm. Courtesy of CrocAlarm
Floridians know that alligators can be found in any body of water. But what if you knew in real time that a gator was lurking just below the surface?
Why it matters: A South Florida startup is developing an AI-powered sonar system it hopes will give people peace of mind when spending time near water.
Driving the news: CrocAlarm, which is being developed by Miami Lakes-based WildlifeOS, would use AI to monitor real-time sonar readings and alert the public if an alligator or crocodile is detected in the water.
What they're saying: Co-founder Rodolfo Saccoman tells Axios while native Floridians may know to watch for alligators, visitors may not.
- "Humans are humans. These attacks happen every year," he said.
- However, gator attacks are rare, per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- Saccoman says limiting human-gator encounters can also prevent gator killings, while promoting co-existence.
- He says renowned Miami wildlife expert and conservationist Ron Magill is an advisor on WildlifeOS because he "understands the importance of wildlife and this dance between humans and wildlife."
How it works: The device — still in early pre-testing development with no prototype built — would have a siren on top of it. If it flashes green, the water is clear. If it's red, there is a gator in the water.
- The device would also send notifications to the property owner, residents and the FWC.
- In a recent interview with Refresh Miami, Saccoman described his company as "Palantir for wildlife," referring to the data analytics company that has done work for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and recently relocated to Miami.
- The company sees potential customers in homeowner's associations, golf courses, amusement parks and in helping alligator trappers when called to remove a reported nuisance gator, per its website.
Yes, but: Saccoman says the company still needs to develop the tech, including ensuring sensors correctly identify the right animals, while reducing the cost of the hardware at scale.
The latest: WildlifeOS was recently selected for the Ambition Accelerated startup program to help tech founders get their companies off the ground.
What's next: Saccoman, a longtime tech founder, says when he's done with CrocAlarm, his next idea is a similar tool for sharks he would call SharkAlarm.