AIMS is a growing network of autonomous stations that continuously operate in the field to support the monitoring of insect nocturnal biodiversity. The system combines continuous observation, connectivity and AI-assisted analysis to provide reliable information for research, environmental management and conservation.
The network
AIMS is an expanding network of automated light traps aimed at uncovering and monitoring nocturnal insect biodiversity. Currently operating in Spain, the network has deployed six operational devices, including Doñana National Park, Cabrera National Park, Catalonia, and Galicia. All observations are integrated and analyzed on a centralized server hosted by the Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC).
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The instrument: A-Insect
A-Insect v.1 is a modular, cost-effective monitoring station designed for long-term biodiversity monitoring. Suitable for environments ranging from remote natural habitats to gardens and urban areas, it can operate autonomously using solar power and batteries or connect to existing power infrastructure. Wi-Fi and 4G/5G connectivity, configurable UV lighting and multiple hardware configurations make A-Insect a flexible, durable and affordable platform developed entirely by our team.
AI-based Taxonomy and Biodiversity Trends
AIMS uses AI to detect and classify insects from field images, transforming large volumes of observations into useful biodiversity data. Automated image analysis enables consistent monitoring across large areas and extended periods, helping reveal species activity, seasonal patterns and changes over time. These insights provide valuable evidence for research, environmental management and biodiversity monitoring programmes.
Applications
Biodiversity Inventories & Ecological Research
Generate biodiversity checklists, monitor insect communities and seasonal dynamics, assess the impacts of global change on biodiversity and abundance, and detect migratory movements
Education & Citizen Science
Bring nocturnal biodiversity to schools, universities and community science initiatives, promoting environmental awareness through real-time insect monitoring
Pollinator monitoring
Monitor the diversity, abundance and phenology of pollinators, evaluate habitat restoration and ecosystem health over time.
Biosecurity, Pest Management & Early Warning
Detect invasive species and pest outbreaks early, supporting rapid response and evidence-based agricultural management.
What we offer
Monitoring Infrastructure
Deploy autonomous monitoring
stations individually or
as scalable monitoring networks
Artificial Intelligence
Automated taxonomic identification
using continuously improving
AI models
Cloud Platform
Secure storage, processing and visualization of observations through the AIMS platform
Data Analytics
Standardized datasets, custom analysis and visualizations for research and environmental management
Scientific Consulting
Support with study design, deployment, and ecological interpretation
Decision Support
Deliver actionable reports and evidence to support conservation, environmental management and policy decisions
Custom Solutions
Tailored hardware and software solutions for specific monitoring challenges
Want to deploy a monitoring station?
Get more information and join the network
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost?
A-Insect is a modular and affordable monitoring system. The final cost depends on the selected hardware configuration, while data storage and processing requirements vary according to the scale of deployment and monitoring objectives. Contact us to discuss the solution that best fits your needs.
What insects can AIMS monitor?
AIMS is designed primarily for nocturnal insects, especially moths, but the network also records many other flying insects attracted to light, including beetles, caddisflies, lacewings, flies, and other taxa. Identification accuracy depends on their size and the availability of training images for each taxonomic group and region.
Can I deploy an AIMS station?
Yes. Anyone interested in monitoring nocturnal biodiversity can deploy an AIMS station. From research institutions and protected areas to environmental agencies, NGOs, farms, schools and citizen science projects, AIMS provides a scalable solution for long-term, standardized insect monitoring.
Can the system operate autonomously?
Yes, the station is designed for continuous unattended field operation using solar power and wireless communication. Images and metadata are automatically transmitted to the cloud. Watch your insects online!
About us
We are an interdisciplinary research group studying the biodiversity of insects. We use a range of approaches from field monitoring, systematics, ecological modelling, and genomics to study the ecology, evolution, and biogeography of a variety of taxonomic groups.
We are based at the Botanical Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-CMCNB)
