Overview
The modular acoustic sensor system uses a 3D microphone array and advanced beamforming to reduce UAV noise, enabling accurate environmental sound detection in fog or dense forests.
Our result
A compact, lightweight, modular acoustic sensor module designed as a plug‑and‑play add‑on for commercial multi‑rotor UAVs. The module consists of an aerodynamic housing with an interchangeable microphone array (e.g. circular, star‑shaped, or cubic, each 8 digital MEMS channels) and an integrated edge computing unit (Jetson platform). The signal processing pipeline is configurable: beamforming method and denoising stage can be selected and parameterized per use case via software. This allows rapid adaptation to different agricultural applications from livestock vocalization monitoring (e.g. stress detection in dairy or poultry) to machinery condition monitoring and wildlife/pest activity sensing without hardware redesign.
Needs and target audiences
We are looking for UAV integrators, agri-tech companies, livestock operators, and public agencies interested in a modular UAV-based acoustic sensing solution for livestock welfare, machinery monitoring, and wildlife/pest sensing. We need partners who can integrate, validate, license, or provide feedback to refine the technology for commercial and field use.
Current stage
Target TRL 6 (demonstrated in relevant environment): +12–18 months.
Market entry (first commercial units with default configuration): +24–30 months
Additional application packages (wildlife, machinery): +30–36 months.
Unique value proposition
The solution is purpose-built for agricultural UAV acoustic monitoring, unlike most competing products focused on speech, security, or industrial inspection. It offers interchangeable array geometries, configurable software processing, plug-and-play integration, and real-time on-board processing without cloud dependence
Keywords
- Precision agriculture
- Edge Computing
- Beamforming
- Acoustic Sensor
- Modular sensor
- Livestock monitoring
- UAV
- Drone
- Wildlife monitoring
- Predictive maintenance
Research project acronyms
- SPADE
Research projects
- multi-purpoSe Physical-cyber Agri-forest Drones Ecosystem for governance and environmental observation
Project identifiers
- 101060778
Contributors
- FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
Source: Horizon Results Platform