3D-printed measurement technology helps analyze humpback whale entanglements
Assessing the health status of humpback whales has posed technical challenges for marine research for years. In particular, the consequences of entanglements in fishing gear have so far only been incompletely documented. Engineers from Tandem Ventures have teamed up with the conservation organization Whale Wise to develop a new measurement system based on drones, LiDAR sensing, and additively manufactured components.
The system, called WHASER, combines optical imagery with precise distance measurements. A LiDAR sensor determines the drone’s exact flight altitude above the water, while camera data capture the animals’ body contours. From this information, the whales’ length and proportions can be calculated without disturbing the animals. These data are crucial for drawing conclusions about nutritional status and long-term physical impairments resulting from past entanglements.
3D printing plays a central role in this effort. Earlier attempts suffered from bulky, externally mounted sensors that complicated takeoff and landing and were prone to damage. Rogers and Towler therefore developed a fully integrated housing that combines electronics, LiDAR, GPS, IMU, and power supply into a compact unit. The housings were produced iteratively using 3D printers from Bambu Lab and optimized step by step. Reduced weight directly resulted in longer flight times, while tailored shapes improved handling during deployments from boats.
Initial field tests were conducted off the coast of Iceland in the summer. The measurement data matched known reference values, confirming the accuracy of the system. An integrated display now provides researchers with direct information on battery status, data storage, and sensor functionality, facilitating work under harsh conditions.
The project is designed as an open-source initiative, allowing research teams worldwide to locally adapt and manufacture the 3D-printed components. WHASER thus demonstrates how additive manufacturing can enable practical solutions for environmental research.
