Description
scoutlabs (prev. SMAPP LAB) is a digital tool that monitors insect activity and environmental conditions, providing farmers and other users with actionable insights and forecasts. The service is based on data from trap installations that is used to generate knowledge on recommended optimal control measures, accessible via a mobile application or online app. The scoutlabs database features more than 180 different insects affecting various crops, including vegetables, fruit, cereals, etc. The SMAPP LAB company collects data from its insect monitoring network that covers all regions in Hungary, and uses the data to predict route and flight season dynamics, allowing farmers to apply precise and efficient control measures.
Technology
scoutlabs can be installed on any manual trap, making it “smart”. The tool makes use of a camera and various sensors (such as wavelength-selective light-emitting tools) to capture daily catch counts and pest species, and to measure local meteorological parameters such as temperature and humidity. The data and pictures are transmitted to servers where the species are identified and the catch count is logged using AI-powered algorithms, and the catch and meteorological data is then evaluated. scoutlabs has multiple connectivity options, including GSM(2G), LoRa, satellite and Bluetooth for the transmission of data, while the algorithms can identify more than 180 insect species. The aggregated parameters are fed into a flight season forecast model, and the resulting data is displayed graphically on the personal dashboard of the user on a decision intelligence app. The system can be accessed through an online app, and the collected data can be filtered and inspected in graphical form, for example, as flight season curves, or alternatively via an API. An application is in the process of being developed and is planned to be released in 2024, and three other modules are being developed (e-mail, WhatsApp, SMS). Users accessing the decision support module of the software are advised of appropriate measures of defence .
Target
The target customers of scoutlabs are pesticide companies with an interest in building trap networks that can provide information to their farmer clients. Pesticide companies often fund the installation of traps on their clients’ farms. The basic scoutlabs tool is more suited to farmers who grow various crops, vegetables, fruit, cereal, etc., and who want to decrease their input costs and increase their profitability. As of 2023, 3–4 smallholder farmers have made direct purchases of the scoutlabs solution, although smallholders using the scoutlabs traps are generally sponsored by pesticide manufacturing companies. scoutlabs can also be used by national organizations with an interest in creating insect monitoring networks to support their beneficiaries with invasive species monitoring and prevention. scoutlabs installed over 1600 traps in 2021–2022.
Business model
scoutlabs's business model is impact and value based, meaning that the cost is determined on an individual basis. The cost of the monitoring service starts at EUR 10 per month, but changes depending on the region of implementation. There are also differences in the financing models, since pesticide companies and other private or public organizations may finance the system independently or jointly with scoutlabs. Depending on the agreed upon model, users may access only the data related to their own traps, or may access data from all the traps in their region.
Impact
The scoutlabs insect monitoring system can help in the fight against insect outbreaks and thereby stabilize food security. Using the data gathered from the SMAPP LAB network can provide 50 percent savings in insecticide costs (based on customer feedback), which contributes to reducing the CO2 emissions associated with their manufacture. The scoutlabs traps installed in 18 countries provide an overview of pest pressure in Europe, Central Asia, etc., revealing how pests migrate from region to region, revealing the potential of scoutlabs to become a global monitoring solution. According to a company representative, the scoutlabs solution provides actionable insights for less than 0.5 EUR/hectare, considering the fact that one trap covers around 25–30 ha.
Partners
European Union
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
