TTD plans to deploy robotic dog to prevent human-animal conflicts on Tirumala hills

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body for Lord Venkateshwara temple on Tirumala hills in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district, is considering using an advanced four-legged robotic dog with artificial intelligence to monitor wildlife movement in the Seshachalam forest ranges, a TTD spokesperson announced on Friday.

On Thursday, TTD's additional executive officer, Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, and officials assessed the quadruped robot's capabilities at Sri Padmavathi Guest House in Tirumala. The robot's main purpose is to prevent human-animal conflicts along the trekking path to Tirumala, passing through the forest area. TTD claims that the robot's advanced technology will facilitate real-time monitoring of animal movements and improve devotee safety in forest regions near Tirumala.

The robot is equipped with optical and thermal imaging cameras, 360-degree LiDAR, several sensors, and artificial intelligence. These features allow the AI system to detect and track wildlife in low-visibility conditions like darkness or fog, classify large animals, humans, vehicles, and domestic animals, and send geo-tagged alerts and live video feeds to the control room and patrolling staff for prompt response.

TTD aims to deploy the robotic dog in sensitive areas like the forest stretches along the Alipiri-Tirumala footpath, where early detection of leopards and other wildlife can warn devotees and quickly deploy forest, vigilance, and security teams. The robot's sound and light units could also be used to deter animals from pilgrim areas without resorting to physical confrontation.

The robot will not replace existing camera traps, foot patrols, and forest surveillance but will complement the existing system, serving as a mobile monitoring asset that can be quickly deployed to areas with high wildlife activity.