RAINFOREST XPRIZE
TEAM: BLUE DEVIL FOREST DIVERS
ROLE: PLANT AND ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION TEAM LEADER
Currently competing in the XPRIZE Rainforest Contest. My university project team is working to develop a fully automated method of measuring the biodiversity of remote rainforest locations, to promote conservation policy development, aid in ecological enforcement, and better understand the rainforest environment.
Semi-Modified Parrot ANAFI Drone used for Animal Identification
Our solution consists of large heavy lift drones that communicate with small forest diving and relay drones (pictured above) to provide long range access to the currently inaccessible layers of the rainforest for data and sample collection. My sub-team is responsible for flying these smaller forest diving drones in order to identify the animals caught on camera.
Videos Shot from Drones at the Duke Lemur Center
Normal Drone
Thermal Drone
Initially, I altered the biodiversity animal and plant identification machine learning algorithms and API's based on testing of drone photos and videos I collected at the Duke Lemur Center (see above).
Shower Test of Modified Parrot ANAFI Drone
Outside Perspective
Drone Perspective
Additionally, I underwent a rapid prototyping process to redesigning the shell of Parrot ANAFI Drone to fly in rainforest conditions by designing a waterproof, aerodynamic body, and testing against IP (waterproofing) standards. The prototype included a modified body to cover exposure points, a silicone spray was added to protect exposed motors, and laser-cut caps dispelled water from the openings.
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Some Plant Species Identified during XPRIZE Semifinal Competition
Lastly I competed in the Rainforest XPRIZE Semifinals in Singapore against 13 other teams. During this time we identified 26 different orders, 44 families, and 57 genera some of which are highlighted above. A full description of our Semifinal Results can be seen attached below.