The University of Exeter developed VespAI, an AI system to detect invasive Asian hornets with high accuracy.

VespAI lures hornets using food-impregnated sponge cloth and an overhead camera takes images for analysis.

Upon identification of Asian hornets, VespAI sends alerts to operators to initiate containment measures.

The system has been successfully tested on the island of Jersey to protect UK bees by preventing Asian hornet establishment.

VespAI is a collaborative effort involving the UK government, the National Bee Unit, beekeeping associations, and Vita Bee Health.

Prototypes of VespAI are being further deployed, showcasing a partnership between biologists and data scientists.

Recent Asian hornet sightings in Kent have prompted warnings and vigilance from the British Beekeeping Association.

The sightings might indicate local birth of winter queens, intensifying the need for effective monitoring like VespAI.