TTD is testing an AI-powered robot dog that can detect leopard movement, scan forests and alert officials before danger reaches pilgrims.
Tirumala: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has introduced a futuristic AI-powered robotic dog to strengthen security for millions of devotees visiting the hill shrine. The four-legged robot is being tested to detect leopard movement, monitor wildlife activity and provide early warnings in forest areas surrounding Tirumala.
The high-tech security initiative has gained attention as the Tirumala hills have witnessed several human-wildlife encounters in recent years, especially along the Alipiri-Tirumala pedestrian route used by thousands of pilgrims travelling on foot to reach the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.
The AI robot dog is designed to enter difficult forest zones where regular patrolling can be challenging and provide real-time surveillance support to forest officials, vigilance teams and security personnel.
In a major technology upgrade for pilgrim safety, TTD is exploring the use of a quadruped robotic dog equipped with artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and surveillance technology.
TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, along with senior officials, recently inspected the robotic dog at the Sri Padmavathi Guest House in Tirumala. Officials examined its movement capability, navigation system and performance in challenging hill terrain.
The robotic dog has been developed by a Chennai-based startup and is designed to assist authorities in monitoring areas where human movement is difficult due to dense forests, steep paths and uneven landscapes.
TTD is currently conducting a 20-day trial of one robotic dog. If the technology proves effective, the machine may be deployed in sensitive forest zones, including during the upcoming Srivari Brahmotsavam celebrations when thousands of additional devotees visit Tirumala.
The biggest feature of the robotic dog is its ability to detect threats even in low visibility conditions. The machine is equipped with thermal imaging cameras, optical cameras, multiple sensors and 360-degree LiDAR technology that allow it to scan the surroundings and identify unusual movements.
The AI-based system can differentiate between humans, wild animals, domestic animals and vehicles, helping officials understand whether a movement requires immediate action. The robot can move through rocky pathways, stairs, steep slopes and uneven forest terrain, making it suitable for the geographical conditions of Tirumala hills.
Unlike fixed surveillance cameras, the mobile robotic unit can travel to different locations and provide live video feeds, thermal images and geo-tagged alerts to the control room and patrolling teams.
The Alipiri-Tirumala footpath is among the key areas where TTD plans to use the robotic surveillance system. The forest stretch around this pilgrimage route has witnessed leopard movement in the past, raising safety concerns among devotees, particularly children and elderly pilgrims.
The AI robot dog will work as an early warning system by identifying wildlife movement before animals reach crowded areas. Once a possible threat is detected, the machine can send instant geo-tagged alerts along with live visuals and thermal data, allowing officials to take quick preventive action. The technology is expected to improve response time during emergencies and provide additional security during peak pilgrimage seasons.
Apart from tracking wildlife, the robotic dog also comes with a non-lethal animal deterrent system. The machine is equipped with sound and light features that can help prevent wild animals from approaching pilgrim routes without causing physical harm.
Officials believe this technology can reduce direct human-animal confrontation and create a safer environment for both devotees and wildlife. The robotic dog will work alongside existing safety measures, including forest guards, camera traps and regular patrol teams.
TTD officials have clarified that the AI robot dog is not designed to replace forest officials or security personnel. Instead, it will act as a mobile surveillance assistant capable of reaching risky locations, collecting data and providing real-time information to authorities.
The footage, thermal images and movement data collected by the robot can help officials study wildlife patterns, identify high-risk areas and improve future patrol strategies. Experts believe the combination of artificial intelligence, robotics and human monitoring could transform safety management in forest-based pilgrimage destinations.
Tirumala is one of India’s most visited religious destinations, attracting millions of devotees every year. Ensuring safe movement through forest-covered routes has remained a major challenge for authorities.
Earlier leopard sightings and wildlife encounters in the hills increased the need for stronger surveillance systems and faster emergency response mechanisms. The introduction of the AI robotic dog reflects TTD’s effort to use modern technology to improve safety without disturbing the natural ecosystem.
Each robotic dog is estimated to cost around Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. TTD is currently evaluating the machine’s performance, durability and effectiveness during the trial period before deciding on wider deployment.
If successful, the AI-powered robotic dog could become a permanent part of Tirumala’s forest surveillance network. The technology may also play a crucial role during major religious events when crowd movement increases and security challenges become more complex.
The introduction of a robotic security system at Tirumala marks a new step towards using artificial intelligence for public safety. By combining autonomous movement, thermal detection, live surveillance and instant alerts, the AI robot dog could help authorities identify wildlife threats before they turn into dangerous situations.
For millions of devotees visiting Tirumala every year, this futuristic machine could become an additional guardian on forest routes, creating a safer pilgrimage experience through technology. TTD is testing an AI-powered robot dog in Tirumala to detect leopard movement, monitor forest routes and improve pilgrim safety with advanced surveillance technology.
