“Flying Robots” Design Summary & Analysis (Draft 1)

The article “How Flying Robots Might Prevent Deforestation” (2012) mentioned the purpose, features and effectiveness of quadrotors, mainly focused on them being “sentinels of crucial environmental protection”. These “miniature flying robots” were programmed to inspect the surroundings of the rainforest independently, providing advanced feedback for unlicensed activities made to the environment. The article highlighted the robots’ ability to efficiently function together as a team without a need for any communication, which yields a systematic and productive army despite any circumstances. Furthermore, quadrotors were equipped with “little rotor blades'' for easy gliding action, and the programmed commands on the “onboard processor” would call for immediate response to any difference in their surroundings. 

While the article claimed that quadrotors were deemed as valuable bots which guards the rainforest from human pollution, the aspect of them preserving the wildlife during patrol should be emphasised on.

When an army of quadrotors hovers through the densely vegetated forest with minimal noise, they ought to also maintain an adequate distance from habitats of animals. Leaving the animals undisturbed should not be compromised. In reality, the presence of these flying robots could severely increase the stress levels of the wildlife, especially when the bots were moving as a swarm. This case could be worsened when the bots suffer a malfunction and became uncontrollable. Animals could be physically injured. By strategically locating a limited number of quadrotors in certain areas of the forest, the chances of disrupting an animal’s abode would be reduced.

In conclusion, quadrotors provide an elevated call for emergency response without the aid for any man.

References: 

Peck, M. (2012) How Flying Robots Might Prevent Deforestation. Retrieved from https://mashable.com/2012/03/20/flying-robots-deforestation/

Wagstaff, K. (2015) Animals vs. Drones: Should Close Encounters Be Banned? Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/animals-vs-drones-should-close-encounters-be-banned-n451736