Working closely with IVCC and IRS implementation partners, the Goizper Group has developed a tool, the IK Smart Light, to assist IRS implementers in training spray operators and to assist spray operators in delivering the correct dose of insecticide while spraying walls. The IRS application guidelines call for spray operators to maintain a spray distance of 45cm from the wall, to create a swath of 75cm and to take 5 seconds to treat a 2m tall wall.
However, there is no simple way to teach this technique or to check if spray operators are meeting this standard. The objectives of the development of the IK Smart Light are to simplify training, and improve IRS delivery through higher quality training and improved consistency of application to reduce areas of over and under dosing which can negatively impact IRS campaigns through higher costs and lower and shorter efficacy. The IK Smart Light continuously guides spray operators as they apply spray and will provide supervisors with data to assess constancy of delivery through a smartphone app.
A small number of early prototypes were tested by partners in 2019. Following the 2019 field tests, an upgraded version of the device was designed and two large scale field evaluations will take place in 2021. The features of the new model include modifications to keep the sensor clean, a flow detector to measure the actual amount of insecticide that is sprayed, inclusion of an LED light to shine on the surface to assist SOPs during spraying, improved robustness and the addition of a rechargeable battery. The 2021 field test of the IK Smart Light will focus on evaluating potential improvements in operational efficiency, spray quality, and spray reporting.
