Maker Faire Rome 2026: the work behind the AI that listens to nature

At Maker Faire Rome 2026, RCR Innovative Labs ETS APS turned the sounds of nature into an experience connecting technology, education and participation. BirdNET Live uses an environmental microphone and a Raspberry Pi-based system to analyse bird songs and suggest possible species.

Behind the public demonstration was a long process of research, electronics, programming, calibration, field testing and refinement. Visitors could follow the path from listening to data interpretation and discuss both the potential and the limits of artificial intelligence.

The project is also an open educational laboratory linking natural sciences, computing, electronics and civic responsibility. It helps young people understand that technology can be built, questioned and used to care for their local environment.

For RCR Innovative Labs, the fair was both an achievement and a new starting point. The relationships created in Rome will support further workshops, experiments and collaborations. This RCR Journal feature preserves the story and connects to the complete photo and video archive.