Introduced by Volkswagen, the RooBadge is a revolutionary new technology designed to keep kangaroos away from vehicles through the use of directional speakers emitting specific sounds. Developed with the help of kangaroo behaviorists from the University of Melbourne and real-time data from the Australian wildlife rescue organization Wires, the RooBadge serves as an audio-based deterrent that is currently being tested on Amarok pickup trucks in Australia. With plans to expand its use to other vehicles and regions, Volkswagen is working on incorporating the RooBadge into a license plate holder as well. The technology has been in development for three years and will eventually be accompanied by a dedicated app that uses GPS and telemetry data to emit sounds through kangaroo collision hotspots. Despite the timing of its announcement close to April 1, the RooBadge appears to be a legitimate solution to reducing the risk of collisions with kangaroos and could potentially be adapted for use with other animals worldwide.
The RooBadge, short for “kangaroo badge,” is a new technology developed by Volkswagen in collaboration with experts in kangaroo behavior from the University of Melbourne. With the help of real-time data from the Australian wildlife rescue organization Wires, the RooBadge aims to keep kangaroos away from vehicles through the emission of carefully selected sounds from directional speakers. The development of the RooBadge has undergone three years of testing and refinement, with initial trials on kangaroos on golf courses leading to the creation of a mix of natural and synthetic noises designed to deter kangaroos effectively.
After creating the sound mix for the RooBadge, Volkswagen conducted trials with stationary Amarok pickup trucks equipped with directional speakers, 360-degree cameras, and motion sensors. The vehicles were strategically placed in locations where kangaroos migrate, and their reactions were monitored over a six-month period. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the RooBadge in deterring kangaroos from approaching the vehicles. Following the success of the stationary vehicle trials, Volkswagen received approval to test the hardware on moving Amaroks being driven at slow speeds, further demonstrating the functionality of the technology in real-world scenarios.
In addition to testing the RooBadge on Amarok pickup trucks, Volkswagen is also developing a license plate holder that incorporates the RooBadge technology. This universal compatibility will allow the RooBadge to be easily installed on a wide range of vehicles, expanding its potential impact in reducing collisions with kangaroos and other wildlife. The RooBadge will be accompanied by a dedicated app inside the vehicle that uses GPS and telemetry data to emit sounds through kangaroo collision hotspots, providing a comprehensive solution for drivers to avoid encounters with kangaroos on the road.
While the RooBadge is currently being tested in Australia, Volkswagen has plans to expand its use to other regions and adapt it for other animal deterrent purposes. The company is already in discussions with partners in Europe and the United States to introduce the RooBadge as a solution for preventing collisions with a variety of animals. By leveraging the expertise gained from developing the RooBadge for kangaroos, Volkswagen aims to create a versatile technology that can be utilized by drivers worldwide to reduce the risks of wildlife encounters on the road.
The RooBadge represents a significant advancement in vehicle safety technology, offering drivers a proactive solution to avoid collisions with kangaroos and other wildlife. Developed through years of collaboration with experts in kangaroo behavior and real-time wildlife data, the RooBadge has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its effectiveness in deterring kangaroos from approaching vehicles. With plans to expand its use to other regions and animal species, Volkswagen is poised to revolutionize the way drivers interact with wildlife on the road, making it safer for both humans and animals alike.