Bat-ter Stay Away: An Innovative Approach for Deterring Bats Near a Simulated Wind Turbine

Overview

Bat collisions with wind turbines are a growing environmental concern. Although several strong, evidence-based theories explain why bats are attracted to wind turbines, no single reason explains all interactions, making it hard to keep them away. This project investigates whether bat-inspired robotic motion or ultrasonic noise can reduce the clarity of echolocation signals in a simulated wind turbine environment. Using this experiment's model, four conditions (control, robotic bat motion, broadband-like ultrasonic noise, and the combination of motion and broadband-like ultrasonic noise) were tested for their deterrent qualities. When tested, all deterrent methods were effective, with the combined approach proving the most effective. The robotic bat motion was more effective than broadband-like ultrasonic noise, suggesting it could be a good bat deterrent. This project paves the way for research on motion-based bat deterrents and other deterrent methods, as previous methods aren't effective or efficient in the long run.

Awards (2)

• Bronze Medal
• Selected for CWSF 2026

Competition history

• CWSF 2026 Environment & Climate Change

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