A robot that collects, processes and analyzes eDNA might soon be a reality for scientists. Named eDNA-bot, the new technology was recently patented and is now under development at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
The technology could be used to detect invasive species, manage wastewater for harmful pathogens and survey around hydropower facilities. Guided by artificial intelligence, the eDNA-bot will be able to make independent decisions and react to situations in real-time.
“It would let us sample continuously and unobtrusively for months at a time,” said project lead Kristine Moody, a molecular ecologist at ORNL. “The bot also would allow us to access sites that are too remote or too dangerous to easily accommodate human surveyors.”
