School of Physics, Engineering and Technology
Drones and remote sensing
The vast majority of microbial life cannot currently be grown in the lab, making it extremely challenging to study. Our lightweight techniques are ideally suited to work in the field, from the Great Salt Lake in Utah (USA) to Boulby Mine in Redcar and Cleveland (UK). We are developing drone-based sample gathering equipment to help us collect samples in such hostile environments. The STFC lab at Boulby Mine has been particularly helpful in allowing us to use their controlled facilities to test equipment and gather samples. Our current drone roster includes an Intel Aero-based system (the black drone in the background) and a Swellpro amphibious drone (orange, foreground).