Facial Recognition Software to Exterminate Rats -

Rentokil, the world's largest pest control group, has developed technology in collaboration with Vodafone to track individual rodents and optimize pest control strategies. This includes piloting the use of facial recognition software to exterminate rats in homes, with real-time analysis and decision-making conducted from a central command center. The technology enables tracking of rodent habits and behavior patterns, aiding in identifying entry points and assessing the severity of infestations.

Rentokil's CEO, Andy Ransom, highlights the benefits of facial recognition technology in distinguishing between individual rats and understanding their behaviors. By monitoring rats in controlled environments and employing machine learning, the system builds recognition capabilities to effectively target pest control measures. The recent acquisition of Eitan Amichai, an Israeli market leader, has bolstered Rentokil's access to advanced technology, with the new system piloted by various customers, including food producers and offices.

Rentokil aims to expand its operation globally, targeting "cities of the future" in regions like China, India, and Indonesia, where population growth could lead to increased pest problems. Identifying areas with potential rodent infestations allows for proactive pest management strategies. Meanwhile, research indicates that rats possess an innate ability to synchronize their movements to rhythmic beats, challenging the notion that beat synchronization is uniquely human. Dr. Hirokazu Takahashi of the University of Tokyo suggests that music has profound effects on rat behavior, indicating a deeper understanding of rodent cognition.