
ABOUT US
Frontier Labs, furthering the realm of bioacoustics since 2011
Our mission
We're proud of the gear we make and we're proud of the quality and care that goes into each and every unit we sell.
We believe we make the best recorders for bioacoustic research and we aim to have the best support as well.
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That's why we take time to understand each customer's individual project needs to ensure you get the most out of your research.​​​
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WHAT WE DO
​​​Frontier Labs designs and produces bioacoustic hardware and software that are designed to produce consistent, high-quality data to aid in ecological research and conservation. Our recorders can handle the toughest environments from the freezing temperatures of the artic to sweltering heat of the Australian outback. We are continually working on improving the quality of our products so our customers can keep making great science.
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Besides the production of these devices, we will work with you and offer tailored advice for your project. Our team of engineers and ecologists has a wealth of knowledge and experience using bioacoustics to monitor species across Australia. We will take the time to have one-on-one meetings with you to ensure the best outcomes for your research.
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Additionally, we run workshops for universities and business aimed to educate and spread awareness of the power of bioacoustics in wildlife monitoring. We frequently sponsor and exhibit at conferences and events, locally and internationally, to showcase our innovations, learn from experts in the field about how we can improve our gear and provide the best products to aid in research efforts. Follow our us social media to stay update where we will be next!
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-develop software and hardware for bioacoustics, constantly trying to improve our technology while providing consistent high quality to keep consistency between studies
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history
​The company was started by Michael Maggs and Mark Calder in 2011 in the back room of a share house in Brisbane, Australia. Both Michael and Mark had worked as engineers in the bioacoustics field for several years prior and felt that there were no recorders on the market at the time that really gave researchers what they needed. They had been listening to different scientists about their what features were most important to produce quality results, and they believed that they could give that to them. And so, Frontier Labs was born.
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The BAR was the first recorder they developed which focused on high quality recording capabilities, durability and long-term deployment. They convinced a few researchers to give the BAR a go on their bioacoustic projects, and the outcomes were highly encouraging. The Solar BAR was the next to follow and we were thrilled at its long-term deployment capabilities as well as its durability when they were deployed in the most extreme of environments.
​For over a decade now, Frontier Labs' Bioacoustic Recorders have been used all over the world to listen to the sounds of nature and gain insights into the natural world. Our devices are trusted by governments, universities, and research institutions to enable ecological monitoring at scale, in remote areas and over long periods of time. From Arctic cold to desert heat, our recorders have proven their reliability and robustness in the most challenging environments.
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-Brisbane based
-where did it start, moving to different locations e.g. from the backroom of an apartment to a warehouse
-engagement with the community
-events and conferences started attending, running workshops showcasing near software
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-cover the history of developments FL has done, e.g. each model
-about how the company has grown, extra additions to the team​
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meet the team
Michael Maggs
Co-Founder
Lead Engineer

Michael, while being a highly qualified engineer, has a deep passion for the environment and aiding in conserving our natural habitats. He goes bush when he can hiking, camping and ...
Mark Calder
Co-Founder
Electrical Engineer

Mark, besides having a wealth of engineering knowledge and experience, enjoys sailing and camping with his family in his spare time.
Kieran Aland
Ecologist

Kieran is a highly experienced ecologist and is the director of Wildwise Environmental Services. He has worked all around Australia on and off the field, using bioacoustic monitoring on a wide range of projects.
Otis
Sales Manager

Otis is an engineering student at the University of Queensland.
Miranda Fittock
Marketing Manager

Miranda is a graduate ecologist from the University of Queensland, a co-author of 'Overnight Hikes South East Queensland' and avid nature photographer.
Georgia
Accounts and Assembly

Georgia is a highly experienced accountant who also is highly experienced in production.
Thi has a long history working in production and brings a wealth of experience to the Frontier Labs team. She has a green thumb and loves being outdoors working on her garden in her spare time.
Thi
Production Manager

Charles
Sales and Production

Charles is highly experienced in both sales and production. Besides being a sales and production guru, his homemade carrot cake are unbeatable and highly valued by his coworkers.
Caleb
Production

Caleb is an engineering student at the University of Queensland. His baking is top notch.
Fin
Production

Fin is an engineering and music tech student at the University of Queensland.