ROBIN RADAR ACQUIRES SCARECROW GROUP IN "INTEGRATION FIT FOR THE FUTURE OF BIRD CONTROL" 12/7/2021

As the aviation industry prepares for the Covid-19 aftermath, technology companies Robin and Scarecrow have joined forces to forge a brand-new offering to bird control at airports. The two companies believe that more innovative tools are needed, now more than ever, to combat the rising challenges of bird control and wildlife management at airports and airfields.

But CEO of Robin Radar Systems, Siete Hamminga, says that a shift towards more proactive wildlife management has always been on the cards, and in fact all major airports will have advanced detection and dispersal technologies installed in the future.

Robin and Scarecrow entered into discussions last year when it was discovered that mutual customers commonly worked with two tablets alongside one another, for the most effective detection, logging, and dispersal of birds at airports. Marrying capabilities of advanced avian radar with bio-acoustic expertise.

The synergies between the two technology-providers mean that bird controllers can keenly focus their policies, plans and actions to be as effective as possible when evaluating and addressing activity at their site.

Robin began in the eighties, combines purpose-built radars with unique software algorithms and produces radars that are tuned explicitly for the detection of birds and drones in airspace.

Today, Robin provides actionable information with finely designed systems that work 24/7, capable of detecting and classifying birds. Radar software organises detailed data gathered over time for the most effective tailoring of wildlife management policies.

Scarecrow are pioneers in bird control using bio-acoustic technology. Their humane and sophisticated solutions manage and disperse birds within a range of different industries, starting in aviation.

A well-known name in the market, Scarecrow have been delivering a unique database of bird distress calls since 1984, it’s the largest in the world. These sounds imitate the evolutionary communication used by birds to warn each other, and effectively instruct birds to leave areas, as they are in danger.

Scarecrow advise which sounds to use at which sites, for which species and when. Bird controllers can also log their own observations, activity and actions in real time through their bespoke data logging software.

Now the companies will combine strengths to offer comprehensive detection, logging and dispersal to the aviation market, with the acquisition completed June 9^th.

Siete Hamminga said: “We talk to the same people about the same safety issue: bird strikes. That’s exactly why this is such a great idea, it’s an integration that is truly fitting for the future of bird control.

“Our systems provide real time situational awareness on where the birds are. Their systems allow users to actually do something about it by dispersing the birds.

“The idea came when we saw that customers commonly worked with two tablets mounted on top of one another. That made it obvious that airports would really benefit from integration.”

Soon, existing Scarecrow customers have the opportunity to add detailed radar data to their logging and dispersal solution, and Robin customers can benefit from logging and dispersal capabilities.

The two companies believe that intertwining detection and dispersal in this way is the future of bird control. They also aim to create user communities where people with the same responsibilities can learn from each other, share unique experiences and advance aviation safety even further.

Lee Pannett, Managing Director of Scarecrow, said: “Having known Robin for quite a few years, through shared customers and both companies’ attendance at Bird Strike conferences, it felt like a natural fit to join forces.

“Especially, because we have the same vision and ambition to make bird control at airports more proactive, enhancing awareness of wildlife activity both on and off the airfield.”