Rainforest Connection (RFCx) is a non-profit tech startup that uses upcycled smartphones to stop illegal logging & poaching in real-time. Using audio analysis, RFCx recognizes the sounds of illegal logging in rainforests around the world. When illegal logging activity is detected, RFCx’s systems automatically alerts authorities or local Rangers in the area of this area in order to try and stop the logging.
In SAP’s Mobile Innovation Lab, a team of SAP, Expertum and Rainforest Connection people have enhanced RFCx’s system to already alert Rangers of illegal logging, before the actual logging takes place. Using SAP HANA’s predictive analytics capabilities, the team has been able to predict illegal activity using changes in the sounds of the environment, such as vehicle noises and changes in demeanor of specific tropical bird species.
