Gathering environmental data is crucial for the development of technology that can heal the natural world as we face ever-increasing ecological problems.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new tool that they hope will help in this endeavor. Small, battery-free sensorsThese can be dispersed in wind via drones, and can be used to gather environmental data over large areas.
These sensors were inspired by the dandelion plant.
A sensor sits on top of a dandelion. This plant’s wind-surfing seeds inspired its design.
CNET
The electronics that gather and transmit data wirelessly are housed on a disc made of plastic. It’s been laser-cut into a form that can be carried by the wind and land with solar panels.
Vikram, an assistant professor at UW said that the devices were small and light enough that a drone could carry 1,000 of them.
Here are the electronics and the plastic disc that carries the sensor in the wind.
CNET
Researchers at UW stated that they are working to make these electronic devices more user-friendly. SustainableWe are looking at ways to modify the device’s shape as it falls so that we have greater control over where it lands.
Check out the video above to see the sensors inspired by dandelions and dropped from a drone.
