How can we truly know which animals, plants, or insects inhabit a particular area? Many species are small, elusive, or produce sounds beyond the range of human hearing. Yet understanding the state of nature is vital.
The challenge lies in creating technology capable of automatically identifying species—from birds to bats, insects to fungi. Recognizing the growing impact of climate change on agriculture and food security, we do long-term experiments to investigate how (extreme) weather conditions influence the health, nutrient composition, and anti-nutrient levels of staple crops. At UT FieldLab, we are using the next generation of monitoring tools: UAVs, spectrometers, cameras, microphones, and radars. By combining technology, nature, and creativity, we design innovative solutions.Â
