A Day in The Field: Koudjo Afantchao

Role: Robotics Engineering Manager

Focus: Product Development – RoBird™

Koudjo is part of the brains behind RoBird™, AERIUM’s robotic bird deterrent system designed to reduce bird strikes and protect wildlife in active airspace. As a Robotics Engineer, he works on both the technical development and the hands-on deployment of RoBird™ at airports and critical infrastructure sites.

From flight tuning and structural testing to real-time troubleshooting in the field, Koudjo’s work helps make RoBird™ not just fly, but fly effectively.

Picture 1: Koudjo and Drone Pilot Brandon Thomas performing field operations with RoBird™ Flapping-Wing.

Q&A with Koudjo

Q: What’s a typical day look like for you in the field?

My time in the field Is usually spent testing various Improvements of RoBird™, following a test plan that I prepare beforehand. These Improvements can be anything from a bug fix to some completely new hardware or firmware features. The tests are completed with the help of our test pilot. Together, we execute the test plan while I make notes and evaluate the quality of the new features. This Is an Iterative process, as It can take many changes to deliver a high-quality result.

Q: What’s unique about working with RoBird™ compared to a traditional drone?

Unlike most drones out there, RoBird™ Is an ornithopter. Generating lift and thrust via a flapping motion while controlling flight attitude brings a unique set of challenges. There are more moving parts when compared to fixed-wing drones and quadcopters, and the control system Is more complex as well.

Learn more about the RoBird™ Flapping-Wing here

Q: How do you balance engineering and field work?

Field testing Is an Integral part of my engineering work. All Improvements are Informed by feedback from the field. When a new feature is being developed, It must go through field testing to ensure that It’s working properly. I often fly the bird myself as well. This helps get a firsthand experience and better understand the feedback I receive from our test pilots, so I can design effective solutions.

Picture 2: Koudjo and Drone Pilot Brandon Thomas performing adjustments to RoBird™ Flapping-Wing.

Q: Why do you think RoBird™ stands out as a wildlife management tool?

Unlike other wildlife management tools, RoBird checks all the boxes. It Is highly effective when It comes to keeping birds away from certain areas, and Its usage Is safe for both wildlife, humans and the environment.

Q: Any standout deployments?

We recently flew RoBird™ at an international trial site where we recorded a new altitude record, flying at over 8,700 feet (Approximately 2650 Meters). That kind of performance in challenging conditions proved a lot about the system’s reliability and adaptability. Seeing it work, knowing you helped build it—that’s a good day. See how this operation went here

Why RoBird™ Matters for UAV Operations

For wildlife management, safety, and sustainability, RoBird™ offers a non-lethal and ecologically responsible approach to deterring birds. Its success reflects AERIUM’s commitment to innovation and precision in UAV operations.