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Taiwanese students win gold at South Korean invention competition with 'smart cat repellent'

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A team of five female students from Xikou Junior High School in Taiwan won a gold medal at the WICO World Invention Competition in South Korea.
  • Their invention, an "intelligent cat repellent device," uses AI and solar power to deter cats from disturbing ducks on farms.
  • The device utilizes the natural aversion cats have to water, activating a friendly deterrent only when a cat is detected.

Students from Xikou Junior High School in Taiwan have achieved international acclaim, securing a gold medal at the 2026 WICO World Invention Competition in Seoul, South Korea. The team, comprised of five female students, triumphed over 373 entries from 26 countries with their innovative "intelligent cat repellent device."

The team's five female students, Huang Yu-hsuan, Tsai Ai-shan, Liu En-yu, Huang Chia-jung, and Hsieh Pei-chi, noticed the persistent problem of stray cats disturbing duck flocks in rural areas, causing injuries, deaths, or reduced egg production.

— Yeh Tzu-hsuanExplaining the inspiration behind the invention.

The award-winning invention addresses a persistent problem faced by farmers in rural Taiwan: wild cats disturbing duck populations. The students, guided by their teacher Yeh Tzu-hsuan, observed how these intrusions led to injuries, deaths, and decreased egg production among the ducks. Their solution cleverly leverages the natural behaviors of both animals – ducks' affinity for water and cats' aversion to it.

The device employs advanced AI recognition technology to detect the presence of cats. It is powered by a solar energy system, ensuring an eco-friendly operation. When a cat is identified approaching the duck enclosure, the device activates a gentle, non-harmful deterrent mechanism. This approach not only protects the ducks but also aligns with principles of ecological friendliness and sustainable agriculture, impressing the international judging panel with its practicality and innovation.

The device perfectly combines the latest AI recognition technology with a solar energy-saving system. When the system detects a cat approaching, it precisely activates a friendly deterrent mechanism.

— Article textDescribing the functionality of the invention.

This achievement highlights the ingenuity of students from rural Taiwanese schools, demonstrating that creativity and problem-solving skills can transcend geographical boundaries. Principal Hsieh Cheng-yu expressed pride in the students' success, emphasizing how their victory showcases Taiwan's inventive capabilities on the global stage.

This honor not only demonstrates the technological prowess of Xikou students but also makes Taiwan's creative invention capabilities shine on the international stage.

— Hsieh Cheng-yuCommenting on the significance of the award.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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