Volkswagen ‘RooBadge’ to help avoid wildlife collisions

One of the world’s biggest car makers is developing a uniquely Australian technology that will solve one of the biggest issues on our roads.

Groundbreaking new technology could save lives on Australian country roads.

Volkswagen has been developing a new kangaroo deterrent that should help reduce collisions.

The native animal accounts for about 90 per cent of on-road wildlife accidents nationwide.

The device – dubbed RooBadge – emits a mix of natural and artificial sounds that act as a deterrent for Kangaroos.

Volkswagen RooBadge can deter kangaroos.

The device looks like a regular Volkswagen badge and would replace the current badge on vehicles.

Volkswagen Australia has worked with the University of Melbourne and the Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) to develop and test the new tech.

The RooBadge has a special trick up its sleeve that makes it more effective than any other deterrent device, according to Melbourne University’s Associate Professor Graeme Coulson.

“It’s difficult to produce a single sound that will deter all kangaroos, because the species are different to each other. Using advancement in car technology we can change the sound deterrent by GPS location,” said Coulson.

The technology is being developed with the University of Melbourne and WIRES. Photo: Thomas Wielecki

“We have worked on sounds that will be meaningful to Eastern Grey Kangaroos, things like dingo calls, alarm calls made by birds and the alarm thumps that kangaroos make to warn each other. We will then be able to tweak the sound for other species.”

WIRES spokesman John Grant applauded the new technology.

“Kangaroo collisions are increasing every year and with more motorists on the roads over the Easter holiday period we are expecting a spike in rescue calls for injured adults and displaced joeys,” he said.

The RooBadge emits a sound that warns Kangaroos. Photo: Thomas Wielecki

The new technology isn’t ready for the market just yet. It has, however, received approval to move to the next stage of the trial, which involves kangaroos in the wild.

Originally published as Volkswagen ‘RooBadge’ to help avoid wildlife collisions