Inspired by childhood trips to India, MIT graduate Anika Puri has developed EISa, a low-cost AI-driven tool that helps detect elephant poachers with over 90% accuracy using drones equipped with thermal and infrared cameras.
- Innovative device uses AI to detect poachers via drones
- Achieves more than 90% accuracy in field tests
- Won $10,000 and top science awards at ISEF 2022
What happened
At 17, Anika Puri developed EISa, a device designed to tackle the ongoing challenge of elephant poaching by using artificial intelligence to analyze thermal and infrared footage from drones. Her invention focuses on identifying distinct movement patterns that differentiate elephants from humans, allowing for real-time detection of poachers over conservation areas. This approach significantly improves upon existing drone surveillance methods which often lack the speed and accuracy needed to prevent illegal hunting activities.
Puri’s innovation earned her the Peggy Scripps Award for Science Communication and a $10,000 prize at the 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, where she also took top honors in the earth and environmental sciences category. Since then, she has continued her growth in STEM fields, recently graduating from MIT with dual degrees in business management and AI-driven computer science.
Why it feels good
Puri’s invention symbolizes the positive impact young minds can have on pressing global issues through technology. By creating a practical solution to help protect endangered elephants, she has shown how AI can be harnessed for environmental and social good. Her work serves as a beacon for minority representation in tech fields, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices contributing to responsible and ethical AI development.
Her story resonates as one of hope and empowerment, illustrating how passion combined with innovation can drive change. It reminds us that even complex problems like wildlife crime can be addressed by curious, determined individuals who apply science with compassion and creativity.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those interested in the intersection of technology and conservation, keeping an eye on further developments in AI-powered wildlife protection tools is exciting. Innovations like EISa are part of a growing movement to use affordable, smart technology to safeguard natural resources globally. Exploring how drones and AI assist other endangered species’ protection efforts could uncover inspiring stories and advancements.
Additionally, following young changemakers like Anika Puri as they evolve in their careers can offer insights and inspiration. Her ongoing contributions in AI research and ethical technology highlight how early achievements can propel long-term impact in STEM. Readers may also want to learn about other youth-led innovations in science fairs that combine compassion with cutting-edge tech for broader social benefits.