you are A lush green forest. Sunlight filters through the bright green canopy and casts scattered shadows on the ground. Tall trees grow above delicate ferns, wild flowers and colorful mushrooms. A deer hides behind a bush. But there are subtle signs of human intervention: tiny electronic devices collect vital data on potential threats like drought or pests and transmit them miles away.
Although technology has long been used to study animals and plants in the wild, it is rapidly evolving – becoming smaller, smarter and more powerful. more interconnectedSome devices are so small that they can be placed on a single leaf. “For developers of such devices, the wilderness presents an entirely new challenge,” says Ulrike Wallrabe, professor of microsystem technology. Here, the technology must cope with constantly changing conditions, from temperature fluctuations to rain and snowfall and even curious creatures like rats.
Once operational, the new generation of smart devices will provide unprecedented insight into the forest. “Drones already monitor large areas of forest, but they can't tell why one tree is thriving and another is struggling,” says Walrabe. “We need to understand what's happening on smaller scales and over time.”
Wallrabe and his fellow researchers are working on multiple devices that will be deployed from the ground to the treetops, transmitting data from Germany's Black Forest to their laboratories at the University of Freiburg. At the same time, scientists and engineers at other companies are also focusing on making their devices unobtrusive and ultimately self-sufficient.
Sylvanet Wildfire Sensor
Time is of the essence when fighting wildfires. Sensors attached to the trunk pick up the “smell” of gases such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and alert firefighters within the first hour – even before satellites or cameras can see the open flames. german startup droid network has built AI into its solar-powered sensors to ensure they can distinguish between real fires and, say, diesel trucks passing by.
trivia
Digital dendrometers relieve forest dwellers from arduous work. As trees grow, the elastic band wrapped around their trunk stretches and transmits data directly to the computer. light equipment from brazilian startup trivia Can even be attached to plants. It also includes a humidity and temperature sensor, which provides information on climate impacts on reforested areas.
Guardian
What needs to be done to catch illegal loggers or poachers? Smartphones are a good start. Rainforest Connection's recycled, solar-powered smartphone Hears chain saws or gunshots within a 1-mile radius. The recordings are transmitted to the cloud for real-time analysis and alerting local authorities. The tool also provides information about the distribution and calling behavior of animals.
BioDivX Drone
As animals move through trees, they release DNA through feces, skin, and hair. it innovative drone Collects what is known as environmental DNA (eDNA) from leaves and branches – with particles stuck to its adhesive strips. Scientists in Switzerland programmed the drone so that it could navigate autonomously through dense forests and hover continuously around branches to collect samples.
leaf sensor
Wallrabe and his team at the University of Freiburg have developed a glass capsule Which measures gas exchange between a leaf and its surrounding environment. It can detect specific chemicals that trees emit during times of stress, for example, drought, infection or disease. The capsule is transparent so that sunlight can reach the leaf without affecting its function.
plant-e
When sunlight is limited, most devices are powered by batteries. plant-eA Dutch company, spun out of Wageningen University, uses a natural process: plants produce organic matter through photosynthesis; Some they use for growth, the rest gets mixed into the soil. Bacteria break down this material and release electrons that Plant-E uses to power its sensors.
seed dropping drones
To scale up and accelerate tree planting efforts, several companies, including UK-based Dendra Systemshas developed state-of-the-art droneThese seed-laden drones hover over target areas and release their valuable cargo. This is especially helpful in remote areas where it is difficult for humans to reach. By recording the exact location of felling sites, foresters can monitor the growth and health of newly planted trees.
This article is published in the January/February 2025 issue wired UK magazine.