Artificial intelligence in an ocean rescue mission
Intel has partnered with Parley for the Oceans and Ocean Alliance to provide advanced Artificial Intelligence and drone technologies for ocean research.
Under the leadership of Ocean Alliance’s marine biologist and Director General Dr. Iain Kerr, Parley conducts research and education activities to protect cetaceans and their natural environment – the oceans – which also play a key role in our species. Acceleration of research has been made possible by Intel technologies, artificial intelligence and drones, which are designed to improve the effectiveness of Parley’s and our partners’ expeditions.
To meet the challenge of collecting cetacean data, Kerr and his team have developed SnotBots, modified drones designed to take samples from the water vapour poles formed by cetaceans as they emerge to the surface to catch their breath. This remarkable “fountain” provides valuable biological information about the animal – including stress hormones, pregnancy hormones, viruses, bacteria and toxins present in the animal’s body. SnotBot devices are able to transmit the information they collect to researchers on ships located at a safe distance from mammals.
Intel’s specialized knowledge and technologies enable the transfer of data from drones to scientists’ devices, as well as the use of analytical algorithms to identify individuals and monitor their health in real time. Thanks to artificial intelligence, this is possible even in the face of disruptive factors such as unforeseen cetacean movement or limited visibility into the ocean. In the future, the initiative will also be supported by Intel-drones such as Falcon 8+, a model designed for high reliability and precision during flight, designed for use in the harsh conditions that can often be encountered in the ocean environment. Through the knowledge and technology gained, researchers will be able to take appropriate action more quickly based on data on the long-term state of the oceans and our planet.
To see the SnotBots in action (and also see some amazing pictures of cetaceans), visit the Parley for the Oceans website.