Militarizing Your Backyard with Python: Computer Vision and the Squirrel Hordes

Next Day Video · 261.1K views · 2012-03-12 · 26:24

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Overview

A PyCon 2012 talk by Kurt Grandis on building an automated water-squirting turret that uses Python and computer vision to detect and drive off squirrels from a bird feeder.

On Hacker News

HN loves it as a funny, inspiring hobby project and calls it one of the best conference talks ever.

Recommended by 3 HN people across 2 months · HN mentions 2014–2023

Topics

Python, Ruby & scripting languages Computer vision, speech & NLP Embedded systems & DIY electronics

What people said

kjs3 · 2014-10 · Strong recommendation
"Militarizing Your Backyard With Python" - Perhaps the best presentation to a programming language conference in history. [VIDEO]
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Tiki · 2018-06 · Recommendation
I don't think you'll find a 'quick hack' but what you're asking is definitely possible as a project. Check this video out for ideas(guy used ML/servo controlled squirt gun to get rid of squirrels from his bird house) [VIDEO]
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mpdehaan2 · 2014-10 · Recommendation
In related squirrel news: The "Daylight Robbery" documentary has some very interesting squirrel obstacle courses. You can find it on youtube - [LINK] "Militarizing your Backyard with Python" shows how to build a water-hose-turret that automatically recognizes and blasts squirrels - [VIDEO]
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Sources

Video by Next Day Video, played through YouTube.

HN Library · Source license

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