One Eyed Wand-er: Cyclops Wand Detector Trialled on Hitchhiker Pests

Hitchhikers enroute to Australia beware – wands are waving for free riders.    

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry have tested detector technology to identify biosecurity risk material and hitchhiker pests. 

The Cyclops-2 prototype, produced by Christchurch-based Techmatics NZ, is an advanced new wand-like camera-pole device being trialled in Melbourne to determine if it is fit-for-purpose for wider biosecurity operations.

Justine Saunders, Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity and Compliance at the Department, said the pilot aims to make biosecurity officers’ jobs easier and safer.

“If successful, the wand could unlock a digital, efficient and safe way for officers to check hard-to-reach areas, such as the top of shipping containers or underneath large machinery,” Ms Saunders said. 

“Currently inspections are very labour intensive involving non-digital equipment.

“This technology can safeguard the safety and wellbeing of hardworking officers who serve on the frontlines of our nation’s biosecurity.  

“What’s more, with their enhanced digital functionality, these wands could also increase our risk detection capabilities and better protect Australia’s agriculture sector from hitchhiker pests.

“Using readymade off-the-shelf technology is a cost-effective solution to enhance the Australia’s biosecurity.”

At the Department’s request, Techmatics NZ has enhanced the Cyclops-2 inspection kit with a motorised function for camera tilting, removable batteries for longer usage and a support harness to steady the wand during inspection sessions.

Innovation pilot projects leverage government-industry collaboration to better tackle biosecurity challenges in the field. 

The projects aim to deliver outcomes for the National Biosecurity Strategy to build a future-focused biosecurity system that is effective and efficient.