A research team at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has developed an affordable, AI-powered drone system that can identify and follow camels from the air. This new technology offers a low-cost solution for camel herders and scientists studying camel migration and behavior, according to a KAUST press release.
Led by Professor Basem Shihada and his team, the system uses ordinary commercial drones and cameras. Instead of relying on expensive GPS collars or satellite tracking, herders can now monitor their camels in real time using this drone setup.
The researchers trained their AI model by capturing aerial footage of small camel herds in Saudi Arabia. The AI revealed that camel migration is not random—camels, especially older ones, move in coordinated patterns, traveling long distances during the day but always returning to their herder by sunset. KAUST scientist Chun Pong Lau, part of the project, noted that camels are very sensitive to the sound of drones. To avoid disturbing them, the team kept the drone flying at least 120 meters above the ground.
Camels have played a vital role in Arabian life for centuries, providing transport, food, and a cultural connection to the desert. Today, they contribute over SR2 billion ($534 million) annually to Saudi Arabia’s economy through food, textiles, and tourism.
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