Tiny Robots Could Revive Montana Forests After Wildfires

Montana's wildfires have been growing each year. Just this year alone Montana has seen 111,000 acres burned.

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Thankfully the moisture we have received lately is helping with the fires and also stopping new fires from starting.

According to the Montana Free Press update from 8/9

The statewide forecast for the coming week doesn’t look likely to bring increased fire danger. According to Jen Kitsmiller, a National Weather Service meteorologist based out of Missoula, the coming days offer high chances of moisture-heavy thunderstorms along with cooler temperatures and humidity similar to the tail end of the past week.

With fire season hopefully winding down, it is time to look ahead at recovery from the fire. Fires are known to promote healthy growth on the forest floor. With new growth taking off following a fire. But, sometimes the fire burns endangered plants or trees that are difficult to grow. That makes the forest recovery hard.

Time to send in the robots!

According to Interesting Engineering on YouTube

The "Erodium Copy" robot has emerged as a beacon of hope for our planet's beleaguered ecosystems. Developed by the ingenious minds at Morphing Matter Lab, this invention has the potential to reforest the Earth, safeguard endangered species, and replenish our vital natural resources. Drawing inspiration from nature's own mechanisms, it operates with astonishing simplicity: placed on the ground and coupled with a seed, it buries itself deep underground, offering a nature-inspired solution to one of humanity's most pressing challenges.

 

The robot uses heat and humidity to control its drill-like mechanism to bury a seed deep in the ground. These tiny robots can be produced in mass and dropped over areas in Montana that have been affected by devastating wildfires. Ensuring that any rare trees or vegetation that was destroyed will flourish once again.