remotely operated robot helps restore amazon rainforest by planting seeds one pot at a time

Remote robot YuMi can work on its own

An automated and remotely operated two-armed robot named YuMi is helping volunteers restore the Amazon Rainforest by planting seeds and growing trees, one pot at a time. The entrance of YuMi is spearheaded by the pilot project between ABB Robotics and the non-profit organization Junglekeepers in the US. Junglekeepers hopes to safeguard 55,000 acres of the Amazon rainforest and combat deforestation, and with the support of YuMi and ABB Robotics, they are trekking toward their goal one step at a time.

YuMi is taking charge of planting tasks within a jungle laboratory in the Peruvian Amazon while its automation – the reason it works and can do its job – is being operated in Sweden. The automation allows Junglekeepers’ volunteers to dedicate their time and resources to putting the pots in the earth, thus speeding up the reforestation journey. Using Cloud technology, ABB experts simulate, refine and deploy the programming required for YuMi from Västerås, Sweden, which is 12,000 kilometers away from the jungle the robot is positioned. This makes YuMi a remotely operated robot.

images courtesy of ABB

Remotely operated YuMi robot can speed up replanting

ABB Robotics has deployed its two-armed robot YuMi in a secluded area of the Peruvian Amazon, specifically within a jungle laboratory where it is involved in the seed planting process. Thanks to its automation, YuMi robot can independently dig holes in the soil using its mini and personal shovel – attached to the tip of its robot arms – plant the seeds, compact the soil, and even mark the biodegradable pots with color-coded tags for identification. ABB states that with YuMi’s assistance, Junglekeepers can now replant an area equivalent to two soccer fields on a daily basis, focusing on zones that require reforestation.

YuMi robot fulfilling its tasks on its own for the Amazon Rainforest enables the volunteers at Junglekeepers to allocate their time and resources towards conducting patrols to deter illegal loggers, educating local communities about rainforest preservation, and planting mature saplings. The presence of the fully remote and autonomous robot system addresses the challenge of finding individuals willing to reside and work in the remote jungle area. Once installed, YuMi operates autonomously, requiring human intervention only for troubleshooting purposes.

YuMi robot planting seeds