SJK (T) Ladang Bukit Jalil students create smart scarecrow

Four talented students from Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Tamil) Ladang Bukit Jalil have developed an innovative scarecrow using advanced technology to protect and monitor plantations.

Their creation aims to provide a chemical-free and low-maintenance solution for safeguarding crops. The students recently participated in the Penang International Invention, Innovation and Design (PIID) competition, where their invention received a Silver Medal.

The PIID competition and sustainable solutions

The students’ participation in the PIID competition aligns with the government’s efforts to promote research activities and achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Malaysia.

The event, organised by the Research Management Unit in collaboration with the Centre for Civil Engineering Studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Penang branch, featured judges with expertise in innovation, commercialisation, and research.

The students’ innovative scarecrow project earned them well-deserved recognition for their creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Dr. Kamalanathan, a mentor to the students, emphasised the significance of their invention in addressing the issue of bird attacks, which often result in poor crop yields and financial losses for farmers. Traditional scarecrows have proven ineffective in deterring birds, leading to the need for a more advanced and efficient solution. Thus, the concept of the Smart Scarecrow was born.

The Smart Scarecrow and its features

With the guidance of Dr. Kamalanathan and Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Ehsan Rana, the students embarked on an exciting science project that went beyond their textbook learning.

They incorporated microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators into their scarecrow design to detect the presence of birds and trigger its response. The Smart Scarecrow can be placed anywhere in the field and effectively detects flying objects.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ehsan Rana explained that the Smart Scarecrow’s servo motor simulates human-like movements, scaring away predators by swaying from side to side. The design is not only durable but also cost-effective, with the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.

This innovative solution offers continuous protection for farming fields and ensures the longevity of crops.

Through mentoring and hands-on experiments led by academics from APU’s School of Technology and School of Computing, the students were able to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Their participation in the PIID competition and recognition with a Silver Medal serve as a testament to their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to finding sustainable solutions for agricultural challenges.