- The RooBadge emits a range of sounds that alert kangaroos for approaching danger.
- The technology could be further developed for other animals like deer.
- The high-tech emblem can be easily installed on the VW Amarok.
- VW developed a universally mountable version for all vehicle types.
Is it April 1st already? Well, glancing at the calendar, we’d say no, but with some entities—like Volkswagen, who famously claimed to have changed its name to Voltswagen a full two days before April 1st, 2021, only to later admit it was a prank, you never really know, even if the joke ended up being on VW. Now, just three days ahead of April 1st, VW is swearing that its Kangaroo-repellent sonic badge is 100% real. We shall see.
That said, wildlife collisions present a significant road safety hazard in countries like Australia, with kangaroos accounting for 90 percent of these incidents. In response, Volkswagen says it has taken action by transforming its emblem into an audio deterrent device aimed at alerting kangaroos to approaching vehicles. According to the company, the technology holds promise for further development to address wildlife-related accidents involving other animal species worldwide.
The RooBadge has been under development for three years, originally testing on the VW Amarok. In collaboration with kangaroo behaviorists from the University of Melbourne, VW identified sounds – including bird alarm calls, predatory sounds, and kangaroo foot thumps – that resonate with kangaroos, alerting them to approaching danger and keeping them off the road.
Unlike existing animal deterrent solutions that emit generic sounds, the RooBadge tailors the audio signals to specific kangaroo types using GPS data and machine learning. This allows it to be more effective in avoiding accidents.
More: Watch Motorcyclist Collide Head On With A Deer At 54MPH After Exiting Corner
The RooBadge can be controlled by an application in the vehicle’s infotainment system, but is also automatically enabled when the driver enters a kangaroo inhabitant territory. Thanks to the directional speakers that emit a range of sounds at different frequencies, the device can alert kangaroos at a distance even when the vehicle is traveling at 100 km/h (62 mph).
VW says that the great thing about the RooBadge is that it can be easily installed on all Amarok models by simply replacing the front emblem. More importantly, the company claims that it has also made a “universally mountable version” that can attach to any vehicle’s license plate, irrespective of the manufacturer.
While the RooBadge is still under development, there is a high chance it will be offered as a vehicle accessory in the future. Furthermore, Volkswagen is working with partners in Europe and North America, so the technology can be further developed to deter other animal species including deer. Reducing the number of wildlife collisions will not only improve road safety for vehicle occupants but also save a significant amount of money spent on vehicle repairs.
