'Safe voice' reflectors to ward off street dogs; Thiruvananthapuram students float novel idea

PALAKKAD: A reflector capable of making street dogs scuttle away is now gaining attention. An invention by Adithyan and Sherin, former students of St. John HSS, Undancode, Thiruvananthapuram, is now being talked about.

Their working model was noticed at the State School Science Festival held in Palakkad. It was presented in the Young Innovators program organised for the first time. Both of them are currently first-year engineering computer science students.

The reflector named ‘Safe Voice’ can be installed in the middle of roads. The students claim that it will help reduce the number of accidents caused by stray dogs jumping across roads. The machine has a small solar panel to act as a reflector. This is how the batteries inside are charged. It can be installed on the road surface with four screws. It is made of thick polycarbonate. It will not break if vehicles drive over it. A hydrophobic coating on the sides prevents rain or dust from entering.

The sensor in the machine will start working only when the dogs come within one and a half meters of the machine. The sensor works through infrared heat. It emits ultrasonic sound. This will scare the dogs and make them run away. The sound in the variable frequency of 20 - 45 kilohertz is inaudible to humans. Therefore, it will not cause any trouble to drivers or passengers.

The manufacturing cost is Rs 800 per unit.