These Screws Save Whales - Mission Humpback

The intersection of wildlife conservation and cutting-edge technology has given rise to remarkable innovations and Mission Humpback is at the forefront of this movement. 

Spearheaded by Accu, Tandem Studios and Whale Wise - the UKs marine mammal conservation charity, this ambitious collaboration has given birth to the WHASER-a drone conservation system like no other. This high-tech payload, bristling with cutting-edge LiDAR capabilities, takes to the skies to measure humpback whales with scientific accuracy.

The mission doesn’t stop at mere observation, however. By selecting performance-enhancing Precision Components, Mission Humpback has helped revolutionise how researchers assess the long-term consequences of fishing gear entanglements on these majestic marine giants.

The WHASER System: A New Era in Marine Conservation.

Marine Conservation is physically challenging for both the conservationist and their equipment. Seeking to provide reliable solutions to support this vital work, Tandem Studios designed, prototyped and produced WHASER, a game-changing fusion of LiDAR technology and drone innovation. 

Designed to capture accurate measurements of humpback whales with its advanced LiDAR scanning capabilities, WHASER deciphers the hidden stories written in the very skin of these marine titans, tracking subtle shifts in their body condition and looking at their overall health using this vital data.
The real challenge? Engineering a drone that’s not just powerful, but featherlight and efficient. That’s where Accu’s components took centre stage, transforming a complex machine into a lightweight marvel of conservation technology.

So How Does WHASER Actually Work?

The fusion of open-source LiDAR technology and precision cameras allows conservationists to accurately monitor the height of the drone from the surface of the water.
This telemetry from WHASER allows Whale Wise to monitor plus track the size, weight and movement patterns of Humpback Whales. Pairing this data with historical photos of whale scar patterns allows even individual whales to be tracked with Whale Wise having a list of their favourites.  

Accu’s Contributions: Lightweight Innovation for Maximum Efficiency.

Accu, in collaboration with our partners at Tandem Studios, played a critical role in refining the WHASER system by providing specialised fasteners designed to improve the drone’s flight time, ease of assembly and resistance to the harsh Icelandic environment and sea sprays. Key contributions included:

• Polyfix Screws For Plastics: These eliminated the need for embedded nuts, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the overall weight of WHASER. Manufactured from A2 Stainless Steel they also provided superb corrosion resistance for use in a marine environment.

• High-Performance PEEK Bolts: A crucial design upgrade involved replacing a traditional heavy stainless steel bolt with a PEEK alternative, which was six times lighter. This weight reduction directly contributed to increased drone flight times and enhanced operational efficiency for Whale Wise.
  
  

Engineering for Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness.

The integration of precision-engineered fasteners not only streamlined WHASER’s construction but also aligned with sustainability goals. By reducing weight, the project minimised material use and improved energy efficiency, key considerations for modern drone technology.

These advancements underscore the importance of precision components in achieving mission effectiveness, while also providing a robust tool that can be utilised again and again in marine conservation research. This aids in reducing downtime and providing more time on task to conservationists.

Wrap-Up: The Future of Drone-Based Research Tools.

Mission Humpback highlights the growing importance and wide range of applications for precision engineering components in conservation technology.

The use of lightweight, specialised fasteners helps provide valuable insights into both marine life and paves the way for future drone improvements, potentially setting new industry benchmarks for field-deployable research tools.

By demonstrating the advantages of strategic material choices, Accu and Mission Humpback have helped showcase a model for future collaborations. The integration of weight-saving solutions in drone technology extends well beyond conservation, influencing sectors such as environmental monitoring, search and rescue operations, entertainment and much more.

Further reading.

• Lego For Prototyping - Learn all about low-fidelity prototyping with Lego at Accu. 
• Arribada Conservation - Creating Open & Accessible Conservation Technologies

FAQs.

Q: What industries beyond conservation can benefit from similar weight-saving strategies?

A: Sectors such as aerospace, robotics and environmental monitoring can leverage these advancements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve performance in various applications.

Q: How can I get involved in whale conservation?

A: Visit our partners at Whale Wise to learn more about how you can contribute or donate. 

Q: What LiDAR software was used?

A: Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute created a project called  ‘LiDARBoX’ which was used as the base for WHASER’s LiDAR functionality.