How DJI uses its drones to support biodiversity research

© DJI

It is not uncommon to see large technology companies use their expertise in the name of great causes such as world peace, ecology or the fight against famine. But some companies carry out more concrete actions than a “simple” donation to an NGO. This is notably the case of DJI.

The firm, specialized in the design of civilian drones, has just announced its participation in a major biodiversity monitoring project. DJI is working in partnership with scientists from the Environmental Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich and the NGO Wilderness International.

Very concretely, DJI is making its technology available in terms of the design and use of civilian drones to facilitate the collection of environmental DNA(eDNA). This project, launched in March 2024, is a world first. It marks a significant step forward in the way biodiversity studies are conducted around the world.

Reducing needs to facilitate research

Traditionally, biodiversity monitoring requires significant resources. It takes a lot of people and equipment to explore a relatively small area. These so-called classic methods make it possible to collect samples, but areas that are difficult to access, such as the canopy of tropical forests, still remain unexplored.

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To solve this problem, the eDNA project decided to use DJI's Matrice drones. Equipped with a robotic arm, the flying machines collect samples from the treetops. This new research method should make the study of an unknown region much more accessible.

DJI's Matrice drone is thus capable of collecting traces of DNA left by passing animals. Since the program began last March, 36 samples have been taken in three different areas of the Peruvian rainforest.

The analysis of these samples is not yet known in detail, but it should provide new information on local biodiversity. This data could notably help NGOs on the ground in their fight against deforestation.

DJI wants to get involved over the long term

As we explained above, DJI is only one stakeholder in this project. The brand is supported by scientists from ETH Zurich in Switzerland. They are the ones who developed the sampling technology used in the field.

For its part, the Audi Environmental Foundation is responsible for financing the project in its entirety. Finally, local organizers are responsible for collecting data in a “traditional” way. to ensure a rigorous comparison between the two methods and avoid external contamination.

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