AERIUM Analytics & Hort Innovation — Drone-Enabled Bird Management for Australian Horticulture

New drone technology takes flight to protect Australian crops.

AERIUM Analytics is proud to partner with Hort Innovation on a three-year project advancing sustainable, drone-based bird deterrence solutions for Australian growers. The collaboration combines AERIUM’s expertise in drone technology and wildlife management with Hort Innovation’s leadership in agricultural research and industry impact. 

Led by AERIUM Analytics, the trials will test both fixed-wing and flapping-wing drones across a range of high-value crops in key growing regions across Eastern Australia. The project aims to assess how these technologies can enhance bird deterrence efficiency and fit naturally into day-to-day farm operations. 

“Our goal is to deliver a practical and scalable bird deterrence solution that integrates seamlessly into growers’ operations. By combining advanced drone technology with rigorous field testing, we’re confident this project will set a new benchmark for Bird Control in agriculture.” 

— Jordan Cicoria, CEO, AERIUM Analytics 

“Traditional bird deterrence methods often lose effectiveness as birds adapt and return to the same sites. Through this project with Hort Innovation, we aim to demonstrate how RoBird creates sustained predatory presence over time, shaping bird behaviour naturally and consistently. By establishing that presence early and maintaining it throughout the season, we help prevent new bird pressure while steadily decreasing activity in areas already impacted, ultimately supporting growers with more reliable, efficient, and sustainable outcomes.” 

— Jill Viccars, Chief Growth Officer, AERIUM Analytics 

Anthony Kachenko, General Manager, Sustainability and Production R&D at Hort Innovation, highlighted the project’s broader impact: 

“Bird damage is a persistent challenge for growers across Australia. This project brings together cutting-edge drone technology and expert wildlife management to deliver practical, scalable solutions that protect crops, improve productivity and do not harm local bird wildlife.”

— Anthony Kachenko, Hort Innovation 

Together, AERIUM and Hort Innovation are advancing forward-looking, data-driven approaches to bird control that strengthen productivity and resilience across Australia’s horticulture industry. 

This project (AS24007) is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from AERIUM Analytics and contributions from the Australian Government.