- It uses LeSonar 2 technology with 380 microphones to detect mosquitoes from a distance.
- It eliminates pests using its rotors without harming beneficial insects.
- It offers an ecological and sustainable alternative to the use of traditional chemicals.
- It is 25 times more effective than conventional traps.
I'm sure it's happened to you: you're enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the garden and, suddenly, that unbearable buzzing starts in your ear. Mosquitoes are a real nightmare in summer, but two French engineers have decided it's time to change the game with a solution that seems straight out of a science fiction movie.
We're talking about Tornyol, a flying device that doesn't mess around. Unlike sprays that fill the air with poison, this gadget uses artificial intelligence and sensors to locate and neutralize insects in mid-flight, protecting the environment and preventing our health from being compromised by chemicals.
How does it manage to detect a mosquito in the dark?
The magic of this drone lies in a system called LeSonar 2. It's not just any microphone, but an array of 380 ultrasonic microphones supported by FPGA processing. This allows the machine to identify the mosquito's very specific sound even in complete darkness and at a distance of more than three meters.
Once the system has locked onto the target, the drone calculates the ideal trajectory to intercept it. The most remarkable aspect is that it doesn't use lasers or poisons; the mosquito is eliminated directly by the device's rotors , which act as an instant killing trap as the drone moves with surgical precision.
Total respect for biodiversity
One particularly striking feature is that Tornyol doesn't indiscriminately kill everything that flies. Thanks to machine learning algorithms , the device can differentiate between species. This means that bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination, are completely safe , as the drone only targets mosquitoes.
- Massive efficiency: It exceeds the capacity of regular traps by 25 times.
- Great coverage: Just ten units can monitor an area similar to 140 football fields.
- Zero toxicity: It does not require the use of pesticides or harmful substances.
This approach makes it an ideal tool for environments where hygiene and ecology are priorities, such as agricultural areas, residential complexes, or tourist resorts . It is, essentially, a way to keep insect-borne diseases at bay without turning our environment into a chemical laboratory.
Device price and availability
If you're interested in getting one, you should know that the creators, graduates of the prestigious CentraleSupélec, have already opened pre-orders in Europe . The cost of one unit is $1100, a price that may seem high, but it includes ongoing software updates and technical support to ensure the drone always stays up-to-date.
This French invention marks a turning point in pest control, integrating cutting-edge technology to offer a sustainable and highly effective solution that promises to clean our outdoor spaces autonomously and safely.