Project Wavedancer

Problem

Researchers at the NOAA have previously been studying the health of Killer whale populations using drones fitted with makeshift petri dishes, allowing them to collect samples from droplets shot out of a whale's blow hole. However, this method isn't consistent enough to help them analyze these samples.

Approach

The team designed a custom wooden artifical blowhole based on their preliminary research and interaction with subject matter experts. Using this device they were able to test their prorotypes without involving real whales.

Solution

The team developed a clamshell like device made out of carbon fiber that is actuated using a servo motor and triggered with a LORA radio.

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