LeSonar2 is an open-source, 380-element phased sonar array designed to detect and identify flying insects, specifically mosquitoes. It employs ultrasonic pulses and analyzes micro-doppler return signatures to locate and differentiate insects in mid-air.

Who developed LeSonar2 and for what primary purpose?

Alex Toussaint developed LeSonar2 primarily for an automated drone system aimed at eradicating mosquitoes. The system allows drones to precisely locate and identify mosquitoes for targeted elimination while avoiding beneficial insects.

How does LeSonar2 distinguish mosquitoes from other insects?

LeSonar2 differentiates mosquitoes by analyzing their unique micro-doppler return signatures, which are produced by their distinct wing beats. This allows the system to avoid harming other insects like flies, wasps, or bees.

What is a key technical innovation behind LeSonar2's design?

A key innovation is the use of 380 TDK T3902 MEMS microphones, which are typically for human hearing but effectively capture ultrasound. These are tightly packed into an array, and their parallel data is processed by an FPGA for high-resolution 3D range data.

What advantage does LeSonar2 offer over camera-based insect detection systems?

LeSonar2 uses ultrasonic rangefinding and beamforming, which can be lighter and require less computational power compared to camera-based systems for obstacle avoidance and object location. It specifically identifies insects by micro-doppler signatures rather than visual recognition.

hackaday.com · 31 DEC '25

Killing Mosquitoes With Freaking Drones, And Sonar

Item: Killing Mosquitoes With Freaking Drones, And Sonar
Rating: 5
Author: Simon Frey

This project details an impressive 380-element phased sonar array, LeSonar2, capable of detecting and identifying mosquitoes by their unique micro-doppler signatures for drone-based eradication. It's a fascinating application of advanced DSP and MEMS sensors.

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Questions & Answers

What is LeSonar2?: LeSonar2 is an open-source, 380-element phased sonar array designed to detect and identify flying insects, specifically mosquitoes. It employs ultrasonic pulses and analyzes micro-doppler return signatures to locate and differentiate insects in mid-air.
Who developed LeSonar2 and for what primary purpose?: Alex Toussaint developed LeSonar2 primarily for an automated drone system aimed at eradicating mosquitoes. The system allows drones to precisely locate and identify mosquitoes for targeted elimination while avoiding beneficial insects.
How does LeSonar2 distinguish mosquitoes from other insects?: LeSonar2 differentiates mosquitoes by analyzing their unique micro-doppler return signatures, which are produced by their distinct wing beats. This allows the system to avoid harming other insects like flies, wasps, or bees.
What is a key technical innovation behind LeSonar2's design?: A key innovation is the use of 380 TDK T3902 MEMS microphones, which are typically for human hearing but effectively capture ultrasound. These are tightly packed into an array, and their parallel data is processed by an FPGA for high-resolution 3D range data.
What advantage does LeSonar2 offer over camera-based insect detection systems?: LeSonar2 uses ultrasonic rangefinding and beamforming, which can be lighter and require less computational power compared to camera-based systems for obstacle avoidance and object location. It specifically identifies insects by micro-doppler signatures rather than visual recognition.