The creation of a first-of-its-kind soft robotic hand could transform coral farming and, by extension, efforts to restore damaged reefs globally. Developed by a team of scientists at Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the technology promises to automate and streamline a previously laborious and delicate process.
Corals, vital to marine ecosystems , face significant threats due to climate change and pollution. To counter this crisis, massive restoration efforts are underway around the world. However, growing baby corals in laboratories is a process that requires extremely careful handling to ensure successful reef regeneration. Each coral must be manually transferred between tanks to maintain ideal growth conditions. This is where the innovation of this government agency comes into play.
How does the robotic hand work?
The robotic gripper, connected to the Coral Husbandry Automated Raceway Machine (CHARM), is able to delicately manipulate corals without damaging them, mimicking the dexterity of a human hand. This robotic “hand” has been designed to manipulate corals with precision, adapting to different sizes without losing efficiency. In addition, its structure has been optimized using artificial intelligence algorithms to ensure safe and efficient handling.
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This is how the robotic gripper works. Source: CSIRO
A global project for reef restoration
The project is supported by CHARM and the Beyond Coral Foundation, which are seeking to implement this technology in aquariums and coral farms worldwide. In this way, they hope to increase coral production and contribute to the recovery of coral reefs, vital for marine biodiversity and coastal protection.
Automating the coral farming process is only one part of the breakthrough. Stephen Rodan, president of the Beyond Coral Foundation, highlights the importance of this technology: ” We are witnessing a historic change in coral reef restoration. This robotic gripper not only speeds up the process, but also allows for a more precise and efficient approach. “. The next step will be to use this technology to transfer the cultivated corals to their natural habitat, thus completing the restoration cycle.
With the development of this robotic hand , new possibilities are opening up for the restoration of coral reefs, allowing their mass cultivation and contributing significantly to global regeneration efforts. This development undoubtedly marks a step forward in the use of robotics for the conservation of the marine environment.
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Source and photos: CSIRO
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