2023–2024 · Field robotics

XPRIZE Rainforest with ETHBiodivX

A field-robotics effort using aerial systems to help survey rainforest biodiversity. TU Delft contributed a branch-perching and bioacoustics drone platform to the ETHBiodivX team.

Liming Zheng testing a branch-perching drone with the ETHBiodivX team in the rainforest

Liming Zheng tuning the perching drone in a Singapore rainforest — Liming tuning the perching drone during rainforest field tests in Singapore.

Liming Zheng, Andrew, and Seamus in the rainforest — Liming, Andrew, and Seamus, from left to right, during field testing.

Liming Zheng beside the drone after a successful branch perch — A successful branch perch during rainforest testing.

Salua Hamaza, Andrew, Liming Zheng, and Seamus preparing for XPRIZE field tests — Pre-field-test preparation with Salua, Andrew, Liming, and Seamus, from left to right.

The ETHBiodivX team at the XPRIZE Rainforest competition — The ETHBiodivX team during the XPRIZE Rainforest campaign.

Project context

TU Delft and ETHBiodivX · Brazil

Liming's contribution

Liming contributed to the development and field testing of TU Delft's branch-perching and bioacoustics drone platform within ETHBiodivX.

Selected outcomes

Field deployment in a tropical rainforest environment
Branch perching for persistent bioacoustic monitoring
Integration of aerial robotics into a larger biodiversity-survey workflow
ETHBiodivX received the 2024 XPRIZE Rainforest Bonus Prize

Related sources

2023 field project 2024 prize report