The big issues

Canopy gradient of trees is a crucial but elusive part of forest ecosystems. The key challenge we aim to address is the difficulty of acquiring continuous and comprehensive data from this vertical gradient.

While established methods exist for monitoring the understory and top of the canopy, the vertical gradient remains largely unexplored due to its complex and multi-layered structure.

Traditional data collection relies on manual actions using handheld devices, which is time-consuming, labour-intensive, and often inadequate for capturing the dynamic changes within the canopy.  

Our response

This challenge presents a significant opportunity to enhance our understanding of forest ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes.

By developing aerial robots with advanced multi-modal movement capabilities, including perching, aerial physical interaction, and sample collection, we can create a new paradigm for environmental monitoring.

Unlike current commercial drones, these advanced aerial robots would be capable of maneuvering and physically interacting within the dense and intricate canopy structure which can allow for more precise and frequent data collection.