Guardian: A Drone for Animal Monitoring

Revolutionizing Animal Conservation with Innovative Technology

With the increasing threat to animal populations due to environmental changes, the need for effective monitoring and data collection has become crucial. Kang Shan, a renowned designer, has developed Guardian, a groundbreaking drone that aims to revolutionize animal conservation efforts.

The traditional methods of capturing data from animals not only pose risks to human safety but also harm the animals themselves. The Guardian drone, designed by Kang Shan and his team, offers a safe and efficient alternative for searching, measuring, and tracking animals. By utilizing advanced technology, this drone ensures the safety of both humans and animals while saving valuable resources.

The Guardian drone is equipped with a camera that has scanning and video capabilities. This allows for the recording of animals' images and the scanning of their health status and basic information. Additionally, the drone features laser lamps on both ends of the camera. By launching beams of light, the camera can accurately measure the distance between two points of incidence, enabling the estimation of an animal's length based on the proportion between its length and the distance of the two points.

Furthermore, the Guardian drone is equipped with four mechanical legs, each fitted with an ejector for injecting GPS trackers. This enables real-time tracking of the animals' positions. By combining these innovative features, the Guardian drone provides accurate data collection without direct contact with the animals, ensuring their safety and well-being.

The development of the Guardian drone was not without its challenges. One of the main obstacles was designing a camera that could perform both scanning and video functions, which initially seemed like a concept straight out of science fiction. Additionally, the team had to overcome the technical challenge of creating a smaller GPS emitter. Through their dedication and expertise, Kang Shan and his team successfully tackled these challenges, resulting in the creation of the Guardian drone.

The Guardian drone project commenced in November 2017 in Zhengzhou and was completed in February 2018. Extensive research, including investigation visits and access to information, was conducted to identify and address the shortcomings of traditional data acquisition methods. The team recognized that these methods not only posed risks to human safety but also complicated the measurement process and hindered subsequent tracking due to the complex topography of animals' habitats.

The Guardian drone has received widespread recognition for its innovative design and contribution to animal conservation. In 2018, it was honored with the Iron A' Design Award in the Pet Care, Toys, Supplies, and Products for Animals category. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate excellence in practicality, innovation, and adherence to professional and industrial requirements. The Guardian drone's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics has made it a valuable asset in the quest for a better world.

The Guardian drone, designed by Kang Shan and his team, is a testament to the power of innovation and technology in safeguarding our planet's precious wildlife. By providing a safe, efficient, and non-invasive method of data collection, this groundbreaking drone is making significant strides in animal conservation efforts.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Kang Shan
Image Credits: Kang Shan
Project Team Members: Kang Shan Mengyao Pei Yanyun Yu Yitian Wu
Project Name: Guardian
Project Client: Kang Shan


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