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These AI Devices Protect Nature in Real Time | Juan M. Lavista Ferres | TED

Published

4 months ago

December 9, 2025

If we can put astronauts on the moon, conservationists shouldn’t have to hike miles through dense forests to change the batteries on cameras, says Juan M. Lavista Ferres, chief data scientist at the AI for Good Lab. He introduces SPARROW, an open-source, solar-powered AI system that can analyze sounds and images to turn years of biodiversity monitoring into real-time insights, giving conservationists the tools they need to protect wildlife and critical ecosystems before it’s too late. (Recorded at TED Countdown Summit 2025 on June 17, 2025)

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21 Comments

@المعلمةسما

December 9, 2025 at 11:02 am

I come from a place where studying should be a simple dream, yet it feels almost impossible. I want to learn, I want to grow, and I want to build a future I can be proud of. But in my country, I cannot find teachers who guide me in the right way. Most of them do not teach with care, passion, or understanding, and this😢
Is there any body can help me

Reply
- @Mustbecrazytobehere
  
  December 10, 2025 at 9:06 am
  
  Don’t let school get in the way of your education. At least you have access to the internet and every book ever written.
  
  Reply
- @nainashrivastava5908
  
  December 10, 2025 at 1:48 pm
  
  agree with @Mustbecrazytobehere choose the topic , make a list , find on internet and start learning
  
  Reply
@AdvantestInc

December 9, 2025 at 11:21 am

The SPARROW concept shows how much impact happens when field tech is simple enough to scale. Solar + acoustics + instant upload is a smart combo.

Reply
@joshualious-r4i

December 9, 2025 at 11:33 am

good presentation. well spoken, clear and straight to the point. I love the idea, however we do need to take into co sideration the fact that this AI would be taking over someone’s job (a job they might actually love). overall, I think it’s brilliant.

Reply
@kinsmed

December 9, 2025 at 5:37 pm

Really good presentation of a really good program.

Reply
@saranbhatia8809

December 9, 2025 at 10:42 pm

Great and informative talk!

Reply
@balidriverandguide

December 9, 2025 at 11:39 pm

Good solutions and help our natures!

Reply
@cirquemedia

December 10, 2025 at 12:20 am

Juan was once my boss, he’s a kind charismatic brilliant man… One of the better bosses I ever had.

Reply
@gamer-tw4zb

December 10, 2025 at 12:26 am

Good invention

Reply
@urbanstrencan

December 10, 2025 at 1:02 am

This is the way AI should be used to help us protect natural lands, live sustainable

Reply
@PresidentWORLD-h3o

December 10, 2025 at 1:07 am

*iOnic AeroSpace Technology Revolution Strategy Galaxy Project INTELL SYSTEM Made in USSR! Special for Charity Fund PIONEER & Your Team’s Futures!* Yes MAGA! Welcome in The USSR Futures World’s NoW!
*Peace PIONEER’S Science…*

Reply
@mariaantoniettamontella9173

December 10, 2025 at 6:25 am

evviva SPARROW

Reply
@chingyi0430

December 10, 2025 at 6:36 am

The speech really touched me deeply

Reply
@dougewald243

December 10, 2025 at 7:19 am

Why is this just happening now and not long ago?

Reply
@Mustbecrazytobehere

December 10, 2025 at 9:04 am

“Any damn fool can make something complicated. It takes genius to make it simple.” Woody Guthrie.

Reply
@lochlannthomson306

December 10, 2025 at 4:51 pm

This is amazing and exactly the type of inventions that humanity needs now! Well done SPARROW!!! Peace and prosperity from Australia 🌱🌏

Reply
@matthill1294

December 10, 2025 at 5:35 pm

Brilliant technology! Good work ❤

Reply
@ecgwild

December 11, 2025 at 2:35 am

May the sparrows thrive.

Reply
@lifemotivation6789

December 11, 2025 at 9:37 am

“Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from making things simpler, not more complex. SPARROW proves that real impact happens when innovation meets practicality — turning heroic, slow work into powerful, real-time conservation.

Reply
@PlasticBank

December 11, 2025 at 2:48 pm

Feels hopeful knowing that innovation can work with nature and not against it 🙌

Reply

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