The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Artificial intelligence can help highway departments find bats roosting under bridges

  • Written by Tianshu Li, Research Assistant in Systems Engineering, University of Virginia
Artificial intelligence can help highway departments find bats roosting under bridges

The Research Brief[1] is a short take about interesting academic work.

The big idea

Photographs and computer vision techniques using artificial intelligence are able to detect the presence of bats on bridges automatically with over 90% accuracy[2], according to our new study.

More than 40 species of bats are found in the U.S., and many of them are endangered or threatened[3]. Bats often nest by the hundreds or thousands underneath bridges, so transportation departments are required to survey for them[4] before conducting repair or replacement projects.

I conducted the recently published study with colleagues at the University of Virginia’s MOB Lab[5] in collaboration with the Virginia Transportation Research Council[6].

Bridge surveys are important for protecting threatened and endangered bat species. Guano, or excrement, droppings and stains are common signs that bats are present. But it can be hard to verify whether some stains were produced by bats or other sources, such as water seeps, rust staining, asphalt leaching or other types of structural deterioration. However, computers can be trained to detect the difference.

To construct our AI model, my colleagues and I collected a pool of digital photographs of bridges with and without signs that bats may be present. Using these images, we let the model learn the features and traits that identified the presence of bats. We also developed a prototype web application that allows users to interactively upload images of stains on structures and receive classification results from the model.

Graphic showing how researchers trained an artificial intelligence system to detect signs in images that bats were present.
Researchers customized an AI system that can distinguish a wide range of objects by feeding it 3,238 images that indicate the presence of bats, resulting in a system that is over 90% accurate at spotting signs of bats in new images. Li et al., 2021., CC BY-ND[7][8]

Why it matters

Bats are an indispensable part of natural ecosystems: They pollinate plants, disperse seeds and consume insects that prey on crops[9]. Many bat species are at risk due to habitat loss, climate change, disease and other stresses[10].

Because bats often roost in large numbers, their populations are vulnerable to human activities that disturb or destroy their habitats. As the number of natural habitats declines, human structures such as bridges and culverts have become ideal alternatives for bat roosts. Often these sites offer stable climates and access to water and foraging sites, such as rivers and parks.

Visual inspection is the main method that transportation departments use to assess whether bats are present, but it’s hard for humans to distinguish bat indicators without comprehensive training. The main indicator, guano, can be very difficult to spot from ground level – for example, it may collect in spots that are hard to see, or fall directly into the water below. Our research can streamline these surveys by making it easier and faster to detect the presence of bats, with an estimate of how accurate the prediction is.

A Georgia wildlife technician inspects culverts under roads for bats.

What other research is being done

Since bats emit acoustic pulses and use the echoes to learn about their surroundings, devices have been developed that monitor bats by detecting their acoustic signals[11]. But this approach only works when live bats are present, so its success depends on when and how the detector is set up. And commercial bat detectors can be expensive, which limits their use by public agencies.

What’s next

The Virginia Department of Transportation is planning a pilot study in which bridge inspectors and environmental staff will use our web application as a screening tool. The goal is to assess whether the tool is easy to use and enables inspectors to identify and document the presence of bats with greater confidence.

[The Conversation’s science, health and technology editors pick their favorite stories. Weekly on Wednesdays[12].]

References

  1. ^ Research Brief (theconversation.com)
  2. ^ with over 90% accuracy (doi.org)
  3. ^ endangered or threatened (websites.umich.edu)
  4. ^ survey for them (blogs.illinois.edu)
  5. ^ MOB Lab (uva-moblab.com)
  6. ^ the Virginia Transportation Research Council (vtrc.virginiadot.org)
  7. ^ Li et al., 2021. (doi.org)
  8. ^ CC BY-ND (creativecommons.org)
  9. ^ pollinate plants, disperse seeds and consume insects that prey on crops (www.nsf.gov)
  10. ^ habitat loss, climate change, disease and other stresses (www.batcon.org)
  11. ^ detecting their acoustic signals (batmanagement.com)
  12. ^ Weekly on Wednesdays (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/artificial-intelligence-can-help-highway-departments-find-bats-roosting-under-bridges-166806

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...