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.