How To Restore a Burned Down Forest with Automation
There are many people who see solutions to widespread problems in a common system. Examples of these are the development of vaccines, drugs, machines, systems, and various tools that make human living better and easier. There is often pushback against the ideas of nonprofit organizations and grassroots groups, but there are some unsung heroes worth recognizing. As long as the heroes felt fulfilled and derived satisfaction from their knowing that they’ve helped the human race in some way, these accolades are merely icing on the cake. In the modern era, contributing positively to one’s environment is made much easier with hardware and software such as those found in the use of robotics available so mainstream.
Who tackled what problem successfully?
Jadav Payeng is a name not frequently heard in the west, but this man spent 30 years planting seeds on a sandbar in India, which is now a lush natural habitat for animals . The sand bar went from the sort of land where lizards die of heatstroke from lack of sun cover to an animal sanctuary in that time. If you’d like to read more of the details, you may find an article here: click
Sadiman, who is a farmer in Indonesia, spent 19 years planting Banyan tree seeds in deforested land and not only restored the natural habitat, but due to the property of Banyan trees to pull up groundwater, had created new rivers. He was derided for his efforts, and yet he persevered long enough to see the fruits of his labor. Here’s an article on Sandiman: click
I thought to myself, what if we could automate this process? One robot doing one person’s work would be the same rate, but multiple robots, or a faster one? A forest could potentially be replanted in a fraction of the time, and just move the swarm of robots or drones to the next forest site as needed.
What sort of Robotics Kits?
Vex and Lego robotics, along with raspberry pi, arduino, 3d printing, and many other examples of inexpensive technologies widely available, are all potential examples of robots that can be used for environmental needs. Vex kits can run upwards of $600.00 but tend to last far longer, whereas Lego-based kits are available around the world and are substantially cheaper. They would need a bit of upkeep though, given the terrain.
The solution is?
Use the most inexpensive parts that work the best to replant the deforested or burned down forests. Robots and drones can easily and safely go where humans cannot, and this would be a big help in restoring the habitat for a number of our wildlife. If you’re interested in doing anything robot-free, here is a short list of places with whom you may wish to consult before you go digging holes:
- Trees for the Future – their mission: working to end hunger and poverty for small holder farmers through revitalizing degraded lands.
- Plant With a Purpose –equip farming families around the world to increase farm yields, heal damaged ecosystems, improve nutrition, and increase household savings and opportunities. This integrated approach solves two major issues facing the world today: environmental degradation and rural poverty.
- The Nature Conservancy – “When we develop innovative agricultural practices, use technology to manage fisheries and protect water at its source, we are ensuring that nature can endure while nourishing the world.” – Giulio Boccaletti
- United States Forest Service – an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that administers the nation’s 154 national forests
That’s great and all, but what’s your idea?
Simple. Robot swarms.
Okay, hear me out.
A robot uses ultrasonic rangefinders to detect whether or not a seed had already been planted there, plants a seed in an empty space, returns to seed delivery station/ chrarging station. Run it all on solar/wind power. This frees up the man power to do other things that may benefit the environment or other people, or at least make the progress happen more smoothly.