Methodology

The WildBotics research methodology and approach to train its Doctoral Candidates and advance the digital revolution of nature conservation is based on developing novel robotics- (WP1) and computer-vision-driven (WP2) technologies and to generate discoveries through ecological studies (WP3).  This is coupled to training activities and Communication & Dissemination tasks to raise awareness.

WildBotics is founded on three major scientific thematic areas and relies on a cycle of iterative improvements where technological limitations are continuously balanced against domain requirements to achieve a synergy between robotics, autonomy, perception, AI and ecology.

WildBotics will produce “science that matters” by developing technology in close collaboration with end-users and nature reserves among Associated Partners, leading European SMEs in AI, robotics and eDNA sensors, as well as an ecological research and consulting company. will investigate crucial and costly challenges present in ecosystem conservation defined by our partners, such as wildlife monitoring and understanding through biological sampling, sound interpretation, and eDNA analyses. 

WildBotics will build a solid foundation for collaborative, long-term, interdisciplinary, international (European and beyond) excellence, training program and innovation in technology-assisted nature conservation.

WildBotics will use open science practices and the research outputs will be made freely available by depositing all publications in open access repositories and on the project website. The non-confidential research data used in the project  will be made publicly available through research data repositories, including imagery, videos, sampling data, trajectories, animal movements, bio-logging data, etc. on. Source code of AI models or robotics solutions will be also made available to the entire research community. 

Finally, WildBotics will include efforts to engage the general public, with direct involvement in research (citizen science to support field activities with Associate Partners) and by communicating results in accessible formats in events like EU Researchers Nights, Open Days, etc. This helps to broaden the impact of the research and makes it more relevant to society.