Social media, stray dogs and women’s sports coverage– BT Young Scientists explore key topics

The novel idea is already seeing some real-world application, having initially been developed as an AI system trained to detect stray dogs and cats from entering buildings through automatic doors.

The project is the brainchild of Logan Walsh (14) and Adam McCarthy (14), and has already put teachers’ minds at ease in Davis College in Mallow, Co Cork.

“We wanted to inspire other young scientists into introducing AI into their projects, school projects and the way they think about things,” Logan said.

Their project is one of 550, fielded from thousands of students from 225 schools, at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition in the RDS. It was entered into the junior age group under the technology category.

Interview with Daniel Bourke and Eileen Lyons at the BT Young Scientist

The system incorporates a GSM, or home alarm unit, to alert users via text messages of the presence of rodents, vermin and foxes.

Both Adam and Logan were delighted that it caught the attention of Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who spoke to the pair about the project as he was passing by their stall yesterday on the second day of the exhibition.

Fellow young scientists were also intrigued by the project, with one suggesting the duo could add the technology to cat flaps in houses.

Another project, from three students at Inver College in Monaghan, asked the very salient quest...
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