Description Current shark research methods are often invasive, potentially harming the animals and disrupting their behavior. The Drone offers a non-invasive solution for shark research, minimizing physical interaction with the sharks. Using silent propulsion, the drone autonomously approaches and deploys the Tag remotely, ensuring minimal disturbance.
The drone autonomously releases the tag near the shark and uses synchronized cameras for precise guidance, ensuring secure attachment without harming the animal. Inspired by the remora fish, the Tag utilizes vacuum-based suction cup technology to gently attach and detach from the shark’s skin, mimicking the natural behavior of remoras. The suction cups create a gentle vacuum seal, ensuring secure attachment while minimizing stress and behavioral disruption.
Once the Tag is deployed, the drone autonomously returns to the research team. This innovative technology offers an efficient, safe, and non-invasive method for tracking shark behavior and migration, supporting marine conservation efforts with minimal impact on the animals.
Innovation The Drone and Tag represent a significant innovation in non-invasive shark research. Current tagging methods are often invasive, risking harm to sharks and altering their behavior. The Drone solves this issue by autonomously approaching sharks using silent propulsion, ensuring minimal disturbance. It deploys the Tag remotely, without physical human interaction, maintaining the shark's natural behavior.
The Tag is inspired by the remora fish, which attaches and detaches from sharks naturally. Using vacuum-based suction cup technology, the tag securely attaches to the shark’s skin without causing harm. This technology mimics the remora's attachment behavior, providing a secure fit while minimizing stress on the animal. The tag can be detached seamlessly once the research is complete.
The drone’s synchronized cameras ensure precise guidance during deployment, enabling accurate tag attachment without disrupting the shark. This innovation supports marine research by providing an efficient, non-invasive method to track shark behavior and migration, significantly reducing the impact on the animals and contributing to marine conservation.
Product Detail The drone is designed to deploy a tag remotely, ensuring that researchers can track shark behavior, migration, and interactions with their environment without any physical contact.
The Tag is a compact, corrosion-resistant device made from titanium and reinforced polymers, designed to withstand saltwater exposure and the harsh ocean environment. The tag is released autonomously by the drone, which uses synchronized cameras for real-time guidance, ensuring secure attachment without any harm to the animal.
The drone’s structure is built for performance and durability, with a lightweight structure constructed from advanced, water-durable materials such as carbon fiber and reinforced polymers. These materials provide the necessary strength and resilience for operation in challenging marine environments.
Specification We chose a dark gray bottom for the drone to minimize disruption to shark behavior and blend seamlessly with the natural environment, ensuring it remains inconspicuous. The white top was selected to enhance visibility for human operators, making it easier to track the drone during flights while maintaining minimal impact on wildlife. Weighing approximately 6 kg, the drone is designed to carry the tag and deploy it. The tag, weighing about 1.5 kg, is similar in weight to a remora fish, further aligning with the natural environment. This color combination and weight balance practicality for humans while respecting nature and wildlife.
Bio Creator | Innovator | Problem Solver | Dreamer
As an industrial design student, I chose this path driven by my passion for creation and the desire to transform ideas into impactful, tangible products. I focus on designing innovative solutions that balance functionality and aesthetics, with a strong emphasis on user-centered design. My work reflects a commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and responsible practices, aiming to make a lasting impact. I strive to ensure that every design is not only meaningful but also sustainable, contributing to a more thoughtful and eco-conscious future.
