Robot Dog To Boost Wildlife Surveillance In Tirumala Forests

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is exploring the use of an advanced robotic dog to monitor wildlife movement in the forest areas surrounding the Tirumala temple, with the aim of strengthening the safety of pilgrims and enabling faster responses to animal sightings.

TTD Additional Executive Officer Che. Venkaiah Chowdary, along with other officials, recently examined the capabilities of a quadruped robot at the Sri Padmavathi Guest House in Tirumala. The machine is equipped with optical and thermal imaging cameras, 360-degree LiDAR, multiple sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

The robotic dog is designed to operate even in conditions of poor visibility, including darkness and fog. Its AI-based system can distinguish between large animals, humans, vehicles and domestic animals, while its thermal and optical cameras can help track movement in difficult terrain and low-light conditions.

One of the key advantages being considered by TTD is the robot's ability to send geo-tagged alerts when wildlife is detected. Live video and thermal feeds can simultaneously be transmitted to the control room and patrolling personnel, allowing officials to assess the situation and respond quickly.

The technology could be particularly useful along forest stretches adjoining the Alipiri-Tirumala pedestrian route, where pilgrims are vulnerable to encounters with leopards and other wild animals. Officials are also examining whether the robot's sound and light systems could be used to discourage animals from approaching populated areas without direct human intervention.

TTD has clarified that the robotic dog would supplement rather than replace existing surveillance measures, including camera traps, foot patrols and forest monitoring systems. Its mobility could allow it to be deployed quickly in areas where wildlife activity is reported.

The video, thermal imagery and movement data collected by the robot could also help officials study wildlife movement patterns, identify vulnerable zones and improve the planning of patrols and surveillance.

The proposal assumes added significance following earlier incidents involving leopard encounters and attacks on pilgrims, including children, in the Tirumala forest region. By combining conventional wildlife monitoring with mobile robotic surveillance, TTD hopes to create a more proactive system for protecting both pilgrims and wildlife.