This robot helps rescue coral reefs

Unfortunately, coral reefs remain in constant danger of disappearing. The situation has caused various institutions in the world to take measures to protect them. In Australia, the Queensland University of Technology had already taken the initiative to take care of the health of these marine ecosystems, but now it wants to restore them with the help of a robot.

Larvalbot is capable of carrying 100,000 coral larvae to spread them in required areas

Larvalbot, as they have named the autonomous drone, is capable of carrying 100,000 coral larvae to spread them in required areas. Its intelligent system allows you to identify regions that can benefit from "cultivation". A human can see its path from an iPad, it is he who decides when to drop the load. The technology is already up and running on the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest reef.

Researchers have taken advantage of this time of year, as that is when a massive spawning event occurs. Corals release eggs and sperm that reach the surface for fertilization. Then they return to the ocean floor and are used by the larvae to develop colonies. In the following video, you can see how it works.

Between 2016 and 2017, various events caused the destruction of corals in that place, generating concern in the international community. Of course, global warming is one of the main culprits. The goal is "to increase the scale and efficiency of delivering microscopic larvae directly to damaged sections of the reef," Professor Peter Harrison told Digital Trends.

Six to nine months are required to assess the results of the mission. The signs are positive.

At this time, it cannot yet be assured that the mission was a success since it takes between six and nine months to observe its growth. However, its managers ensure that all signs are positive. Australia will not be the only country benefited by Larvalbot, the plan is to take it to the Philippines in the first months of next year to fulfill the same purpose. A little later he will return to the Great Barrier Reef to continue his task.

Harrison said that the majority of the reefs in the world suffer a continuous loss, highlighting that it is necessary to intervene to be more efficient in restoring coral communities. We continuously see the application of robots and drones in the military sector, so it is great news that their use expands towards nature care.