The Austrian company Swarovski Optik, a name well-known for its long-range optical instruments, has recently ventured into the realm of artificial intelligence with the launch of its new AX Visio binoculars. These binoculars, co-developed with renowned Australian designer Marc Newson, are touted as the world’s first AI-powered binoculars, featuring an onboard computer capable of identifying numerous bird species with great accuracy.
Equipped with a built-in camera, the AX Visio employs advanced computer vision software to recognize over 9,000 bird species in real time. In addition to birds, it can also identify certain mammals and insects, making it a versatile tool for wildlife observation. However, this cutting-edge technology comes with a significant price tag of around €4,600, or approximately $5,000.
Identifying wildlife can often be tricky, especially for birdwatchers in unfamiliar territories. While the AX Visio can’t replace a knowledgeable guide, it provides immediate identification capabilities across various life forms, including birds, mammals, butterflies, and dragonflies, using software-based image recognition stored within its onboard chips.
The bird identification feature relies on a customized version of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Merlin Bird ID database, while the mammal and insect identifications are powered by the Sunbird database. Remarkably, the Bird ID feature is functional globally, even in remote places like Antarctica. The binoculars also possess a GPS sensor, which informs the software of the user’s location, aiding in accurate species identification.
An amateur birdwatcher had the opportunity to test the AX Visio at the andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa, where the binoculars can be rented for $40 a day, with proceeds supporting local conservation efforts. Although initially intimidated by the technological aspects, the user found the AX Visio straightforward and user-friendly, with a simple mode-selection wheel for easy transitions between its various settings.
To identify a bird, one must hold the binoculars steady while the red circle appears in the field of vision, indicating focus. A button press then reveals the creature’s name within seconds. The AX Visio excelled at recognizing small birds, such as the malachite kingfisher, but faced challenges with more distant species and occasionally returned error messages despite a clear view.
While the identification success rate was around 60-70%, more conventional systems yielded higher accuracy. Nonetheless, ongoing firmware updates promise to enhance the object-recognition capabilities and expand the identification database. Notably, guides at the reserve were impressed by a sharing function that allows the user to pinpoint the exact location of a spotted animal for others to follow.
The AX Visio also features high-quality optics with a wide field of view, alongside a camera capable of capturing 13-megapixel photos and 1080p video. Users can access media through the Swarovski Optik Outdoor App, although only location data is retrieved after downloading images.
In this new age of birdwatching, the AX Visio binoculars represent a breakthrough in design, merging identification and documentation capabilities. This innovation significantly streamlines the birdwatching experience, allowing enthusiasts to observe and record wildlife effectively without juggling multiple devices.
