Objective
Robust Observation
Reliable recording and analysis rather than mere technology demonstration.
Research Project · Monitoring · AI · Open Source
Automated Insect Monitoring.
This project focuses on the automated identification of insects — and deliberately goes one step further: through unambiguous species determination, a foundation is to be created for researching and testing species-specific forms of communication. The goal is not only to recognize insects, but in the future to address them in a targeted way through a guidance system, respond to their presence, and convey specific "requests" or signals.
Project
The innovation project SmInReSy combines insect monitoring, automated identification, and technical interaction. Further information on TH OWL's innovation projects can be found on the TRiNNOVATION – Innovation Projects (TH OWL) page.
Technology
Open Approaches
The setup is partly inspired by Max Sittinger's open-source approach and the KInsecta model.
Impact
Interaction
Communication between animals and computers is to be researched.
Methodology and Setup
The workflow is deliberately structured in modular building blocks, making it transparent how field work, data collection, and analysis come together into a robust monitoring pipeline.
Define field and sensor systems.
Measurement logic, data sources, and relevant insect groups are described in a traceable way.
Record and structure data.
Image, sensor, or observational data are integrated into a consistent workflow.
Evaluate models and explore interaction possibilities.
Technical analysis remains grounded in biological questions.
Test setup: sensor housing, wingbeat sensor, and the analysis software used in the field.
News
The news section provides an overview of current developments in the project.
ConferenceTalk at NTA 2026 in Regensburg
From 21 to 23 September 2026, I gave the opening talk of the session "Sensing as Governance Infrastructure: Consequences of AI-Based Environmental Monitoring" at the 12th International Conference of the Technology Assessment Network (NTA) at OTH Regensburg: "Wingbeat Sensing as Governance Infrastructure: How AI-Based Insect Monitoring Creates Evidence, Responsibilities, and Pressure to Act". The project SmInReSy was presented to an interdisciplinary audience from engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. "Besides the interdisciplinary exchange with other researchers, the insight into the perspectives of technology assessment was especially valuable to me. An all-round successful conference."
EventTH OWL stand at the Glasstadtfest in Bad Driburg
TH OWL was represented with its own stand at the Glasstadtfest in Bad Driburg under the motto "Day of Science". I gave information there on the decline of insects and the problems associated with it. Also present: Prof. Dr. Rainer Rasche and students who, among other things, demonstrated a leader/follower robotic arm. Report by Bad Driburg aktuell (photo: Bad Driburg aktuell).
CooperationPartnership with the Brandstiftung
Since July 2026, a cooperation exists with Brandstiftung. The foundation was established in autumn 2025 with the goal of providing new impetus for species conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Prof. Johannes Üpping (TH OWL) is both a founding member of the foundation and now an active research partner of SmInReSy.
ConferenceInvitation to the ACI Conference
I have been invited to present my SIL concept as a poster at the ACI Conference (Animal-Computer Interaction) in December.
ConferenceVisit to Leuven (Belgium)
I was represented at the 1st International Day of Insects to exchange ideas with specialists and to meet again with the team around Dr. Reckhaus, who also run the "insect-respect" initiative.
Context
The cooperation and institutional embedding are briefly explained here.
Cooperation
The Brandstiftung is an important project partner. Prof. Johannes Üpping accompanies the collaboration as a research partner.
- Cooperation since July 2026
- Research partner: Prof. Johannes Üpping
- Data is collected in the region around Hagedorn.
Thematic Classification
The SmInReSy project combines monitoring, AI, open development, and real-world collaborations.
- Open-source inspiration from Max Sittinger
- Inspired by the KInsecta model
- The insectAI and Earth Species communities are key sources of inspiration, as is Insect-respect.
Contact
Get in touch here.
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