New perspectives in environmental sciences through robots
| Date | 11.11.2024 |
| Location | WSL Birmensdorf |
| Guest | Prof. Dr. Stefano Mintchev |
| Interviewer | Riva Pinto |
Drones are transforming the way we explore and protect our environment. From mapping remote forests to monitoring fragile ecosystems, these autonomous systems allow researchers to gather crucial data from places that would otherwise be difficult or even impossible to access. But what does it take to develop drones that can operate in such challenging conditions? And how do we ensure they contribute positively to conservation efforts without disrupting the very ecosystems they are meant to protect?
In this edition, we speak with Prof. Dr. Stefano Mintchev from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL). As a leading expert in bio-inspired robotics, he has been developing cutting-edge drone technologies such as HEDGEHOG and SQUASHY, designed to navigate and collect environmental data in complex natural terrains like dense forests and tree canopies. We’ll explore how these innovations are shaping the future of environmental research, the technical and ethical challenges involved, and what lies ahead for drone applications in conservation.
