Desertification refers to the persistent degradation in dry-lands by unsustainable agricultural practices, mining, climate change, and general land overuse. According to United Nations within the next 10 years, 50 million people in the dry-lands will be displaced due to desertification.
Now, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation has created A’seedbot, a small autonomous robot that inhabits the desert to cultivate its landscape. It was unveiled at the Global Grad Show, an event that is aimed at finding solutions to help solve major social and environmental issues.
This tiny robot is equipped with solar panels on its back. It charges during the day, and it navigates its way through the terrain at night. The robot is programmed to identify fertile areas and plant seeds based on the data retrieved from its sensors.
Some of the features of this amazing robot:
- A’seedbot is approximately 8 in (20 cm) long.
- It functions autonomously within a set 3 mile (5 km) radius.
- The robot has 3D-printed legs that allow it to traverse through sand in search of the right levels of moisture
- A’seedbot also features articulating head that helps to look in multiple directions.
- It also has fitted collision avoidance and a distance sensor to send reports to the user for statistical data. There are two ultrasonic sensors on the front for assessing the terrain in front.
