Operation Ibis: How to avoid detention
Discover some of the great ideas that were pitched at the 2020 Surat Basin Student Designathon!
Meet the winning team
‘Operation Ibis’
Jacob: Spokesperson
Seth & Ben: Graphic designer
Jack, Vian, David, Cody & Hayley: Construction and technology
Trent & Zach: Marketing and product management
School: Our Lady of the Southern Cross College and Dalby State High
The ‘Operation Ibis’ Team with their judges and mentors.
The problem
“Here [Ibis’] can make themselves very unpopular… tipping over rubbish bins and caging food from picnickers.” (ABC Science)
“Ibis are considered a pest because they pose a threat to aircraft safety, scavenge food at waste-management sites, cafés and parks” (Pest Smart)
Solution
The team designed a sensor that attaches to bins to detour Ibis’ and other birds.
The sensor detects the frequency of light, notifying us that a bird has arrived.
Once the sensor is triggered an LED will flash and an alarm will sound scaring the birds away.
Features
LED light — The LED light flashes to detour the bird from approaching
Alarm system — An alarm sounds as another deterrent for the Ibis
Sensor — The sensor allows the detection of an Ibis to activate the alarm system
Market Validation
A survey was sent out to over 50 people during the Designathon and mostly positive responses were received.
In Dalby alone, there are over 12,000 residents, each household has at least two bins. Most responses have indicated that residents have issues with bin chickens.
Ibis’ are a state wide problem and are most commonly found in public places. Their product will be tested around the University of Queensland’s ponds for validation. Data collection will define how successful it is.
“Ibis’ have ruined my life!! This product saved me!” Anonymous customer
Next steps
The team discussed production costs, market price, and the possibility of taking the idea to council for further discussion around funding and market expansion.