18-year-old Jharkhand boy builds low-cost AI device to prevent elephant attacks

An 18-year-old student from Jharkhand has developed a low-cost artificial intelligence-based device to help reduce human-elephant conflicts, with the state Forest Department now testing the technology at the Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR).Avi Mohan Kumar Shuklaa, who recently completed his Class 12 board examination from a Ranchi-based school, developed the solar-powered device called ‘Innobox’ to detect and deter elephants and other wild animals from entering farmland and villages.The device is being tested at PTR, and if the results remain positive, the Forest Department plans to launch it as a pilot project in Ranchi district in August.FROM FARM DAMAGE TO AI INNOVATIONAvi said the idea came to him during his participation in the ‘Young Change Maker’ programme of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi while he was in Class 11. As part of the programme, he visited Rasabeda village in Ranchi and saw farmers struggling with crop damage caused by elephants. This experience inspired him to develop a device that could alert villagers about animal movement and prevent conflicts.After creating an initial version of the device, Avi deployed it in the village, where he said it helped around 35 families. This encouraged him to develop an advanced model. Avi Mohan Kumar Shuklaa showing device to villagers HOW THE DEVICE WORKS"The device, 'Innobox', is a solar-powered AI wildlife deterrent device using seismic sensors, radar, and an AI camera to detect and deter elephants and other animals from farmland, with over 80–85 per cent species detection accuracy," Avi told PTI.He said existing animal repellers often use motion sensors that activate sirens after detecting any movement, leading to false alarms and faster battery drain. His device, however, activates alerts only after detecting large animals such as elephants.The device is also solar-powered, making it suitable for areas with limited electricity and network access.FOREST DEPARTMENT SUPPORTS LOCAL TALENTJharkhand Chief Wildlife Warden Ravi Ranjan said the Forest Department provided Rs 1 lakh to develop 10 such AI-based devices after reviewing Avi’s project. The devices are currently under testing at PTR.“If successful, these devices will be installed across the state as they are low-cost,” Ranjan said.Human-elephant conflict has remained a major concern in Jharkhand, with a government report stating that 474 people have died in elephant-related incidents since the 2019-20 financial year.The Forest Department is also working on a three-layer plan involving thermal cameras, infrared cameras and AI-based devices like Avi’s innovation to improve early warning systems.Supported by Emergent Ventures, USA and IIM Ranchi, Avi’s project has also received recognition from Startups Jharkhand. He now plans to prepare for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) entrance examination after taking a one-year break from studies.- EndsPublished By: Princy ShuklaPublished On: Jul 17, 2026 12:32 IST