Schematic for deployment of three robots at a sewage treatment works. Image: University of Surrey
The University of Surrey has received a £620,000 grant to build devices that can track greenhouse gas emissions – and which way the wind is blowing them.
Scientists will attach the lightweight, wireless gas sensors to helium kites, which are to be flown by an autonomous robot.
Dr Robert Siddall, lecturer in robotics at the University of Surrey, said: “If the world is to reach net zero, we need to be able to check that emissions really are reducing.
“Previous projects tried to use drones to monitor gas flux – but the quality of their measurements wasn’t good, their flight time was too short, and airspace restrictions limited their use.
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“Our robot balloon towers, kitted out with sensors and built here at Surrey, should solve many of these challenges.”
University spinout Surrey Sensors will supply the sensors, while Hampshire’s Allsopp Helikites is providing the helium balloons.
The project will also draw upon a range of skills at the university itself, from fluid dynamics to building robots, analysing data and sensing emissions.
Once ready, the technology is to be tested in a variety of locations – including the Thames Water treatment works, Blackwell Farm in Guildford, and rice paddies in Spain.
Dr Belén Martí-Cardona, associate professor in earth observation and hydrology, added: “Rice farming is one of the main methane emitters worldwide. Farmers can access financial incentives for reducing their emissions.
“We’re currently using satellite images to monitor whether these practices are being implemented, and simulation models to estimate the emission reductions achieved.
“This new project will allow us to take ground measurements of the actual emissions, which we need to calibrate and verify our estimates.”
It’s one of 13 initiatives nationwide to secure a £12 million investment from UKRI’s Natural Environment Research Council, Defra and Innovate UK in support of the UN’s sustainable development goal (SDG) on climate action.
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