Software

SIT-ia: A software-hardware system to improve efficacy of the Sterile Insect Technique for pest management

Authors: de la Vega, G. (1) , Smith, L. (2) *, Soria-Mercier, L. (3), Edwards, W. (4), Triñanes, F. (5), Masague, S.(5), Corley J. (1,3)

(1) IFAB (INTA-CONICET). (2) Facultad de Ingeniería (UBA). (3) CRUB (UNCOMA). (4) SENASA (5) Laboratorio de Ecología Química. Facultad de Química (UdelaR).

SIT-ia is a software-hardware platform that automates the sex-sorting process for the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), specifically targeting Drosophila suzukii. By integrating computer vision and AI, SIT-ia identifies, classifies, and eliminates females before release, ensuring sterile males only are released into the environment. This reduces crop damage and enhances SIT efficiency.

System Overview

SIT-ia consists of three main components:

•Hardware: industrial camera, lighting system, CO₂ anesthetizing plate, and a 7W laser system

•Software: AI models (CNN6), GUI-based control interface, classification and detection modules

•Control Algorithms: image analysis, insect classification, and laser route optimization (ACO, Greedy, Local Search)

System Requirements

Hardware Requirements:

• Industrial Camera (LapSun 12MP, 4000×3000 px) with fixed lens (HTENG VISHI HTFA1611A)

• Ring LED lighting system • Anesthesia plate (Flypad) using CO₂

• Laser Module (Neje Master 2, 7W)

• Computer with Python 3.x environment, USB ports

Software Requirements:

• Python 3.x with dependencies: o PyTorch o OpenCV o Pandas o SQLite o GCode Interpreter