DEMETER – Heal our ecosystems with Autonomous Technology
DEMETER is an autonomous, all-terrain seed planting robot designed primarily to help restore biodiversity to natural environments severely affected by wildfires. By combining the trending field of robotics and ecology, DEMETER not only accelerates ecosystem recovery, but also restores biodiversity correctly, reversing wildfire damages by reestablishing plants and animal populations and allow them to thrive once again.
THE BEGINNING: fascinated by natural seed dispersal
When we think of nature, we imagine fields of different plants, animals roaming around freely and feeding on plants. Our planet is teeming with life, and this is one of its most beautiful values, plants and animals work and live together to form a balanced community of what we call ecosystems. The plenty of large beautiful and populated wilderness around the planet reminds us that we are not the only ones that calls this place – HOME.
BACKGROUND & RESEARCH
Seed dispersal is a crucial area of study because it significantly contributes to global biodiversity, especially in a time where biodiversity loss is one of the most severe environmental challenges on the planet. Seed dispersal is the natural distribution of seeds to other wilderness regions, enabling the recruitment of plant species to enrich ecosystems.
Additionally, an indirect outcome of seed dispersal is providing food sources for the many animals that depend on it, attracting diverse wildlife and enhancing overall biodiversity. Seed dispersal occurs through biotic or abiotic means, while water and wind naturally carry seeds across landscapes, a significant proportion of seed dispersal relies on animals.
This mutualistic relationship means the process continues as animals help with seed movement through their natural behaviours. Anthropogenic activities, which in this case refer to human impacts in the form of deforestation, land-use, hunting and promoting climate change, contribute to the decline of animal seed dispersers.
The science of natural seed dispersal has established that it is a fragile process vulnerable to disruption from anthropogenic activities. The fact that
numerous plant and animal species depend on seed dispersal for regeneration and survival makes it incredibly crucial for maintaining the health of ecosystems. Preserving seed dispersal processes is of significant importance, however, this would be challenging with the trend of growing population, which only drives more land-use for urbanisation and resource consumption.
RESEARCH SUMMARY & PROJECT FOCUS
Understanding the scientific aspects of the topic was crucial, for this reason, primary research involved surveying experts including academic professors, researchers, and scientists specialising in ecology, environmental science, and restoration applications. These individuals with extensive knowledge and experience have the best capacity to provide informed and reliable responses. A smaller number of experts in autonomous technology and robotics were also invited to incorporate technical perspectives to enrich the research.
Secondary researched involved reviewing observation videos that professionally documented drone seeding experiments. Aerial drone dispersal was the focus because it represents the most widely adopted method of autonomous seed dispersal. Technical processes were studied, revealing limitations and gaps based on real-world practices.
“Need to disperse a community of plant species, not just
monoculture”
Environmental science Expert – Brisbane, QLD
“Creating novel ecosystems that perform worse than the
original ones”
Environmental science Expert – Brisbane, QLD
“Most seeds won’t survive without follow-up maintenance
(e.g., watering)”
Environmental science Expert – Brisbane, QLD
FINDINGS & DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
Research findings helped narrow the project’s direction and inform the final design. Experts strongly suggested that autonomous seed dispersal technology would have the greatest impact in severely damaged environments, leading the project to focus on severe wildfire-affected scenarios.
Experts also highlighted that effective restoration outcome is not defined by simply releasing seeds, but by ensuring species are matched to their site conditions and ensuring seed germination, not just dispersal volume. This can be achieved by creating optimal growth conditions and implementing post-dispersal procedures to enhance soil quality and water delivery, all of which are critical in post-wildfire environments where soil quality is damaged and water is scarce.
Observation of conventional drone scattering methods revealed that drones have either poor or lack adaptability to different seed material. They are restricted to dispersing one seed variety at a time and require manual hardware adjustments for size changes — A process that is inefficient and tedious.
The frequent need for battery swaps and refills due to unreliable random scattering is further evidence of their ineffectiveness in large-scale restoration and heavy human reliance.
WHY WILDFIRE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTS?
With advancing human activities like deforestation and land clearing, added with rising climate change, wildfires are becoming more frequent in many parts of the world. In the aftermath of severe large-scale wildfire, these environments that once thrived with rich diverse life are left barren and fragile. The soil loses its quality, water becomes scarce, biodiversity is destroyed, and natural regeneration is slow and uncertain, often taking decades.
By targeting these areas, this design project addresses a critical environmental need. Using autonomous technology to accelerate ecological restoration, reestablish species population to restore biodiversity, and demonstrate how trending technological innovation can play a vital role in restoring balance to fragile post-wildfire ecosystems.
“A new report about Australia’s wildlife loss following the 2019-2020 wildfires reveals a staggering number… 143 million native mammals were likely killed…”
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – Australia
“It is deathly silent when you go into a forest after a fire. Apart from the ‘undertakers’ — the carrion eaters… picking off the dead bodies, there’s nothing much left in the forest. It’s a chilling experience.”
Michael Clarke – ecologist at La Trobe University, Melbourne
COMPETITION? WHAT COMPETITION?
superior restoration outcomes FOR WILDFIRE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTS
Unlike drones and other seed planting devices, DEMETER offers precision planting, adaptability to material, and improved reduction on human reliance. Its all-terrain tracks allow it to navigate rough post-wildfire landscapes, reaching areas too difficult for human labourers. While its multi seed adaptability system enables the planting of diverse species without manual adjustments.
Integrated watering and fertilising ensure successful germination, a crucial implementation for wildfire affect environments most devices overlook. Together, these features make DEMETER the superior option that is more efficient and ecologically effective restoration solution.
READ MORE ON PROJECT RESEARCH?:
Name
RESEARCH REPORT – Exploring the effectiveness of autonomous technology in supporting seed dispersal in environments suffering biodiversity degradation
INITIAL CONCEPT DRAWING – The vision, FIRST IMAGINED on paper
The robot’s design draws inspiration from the anatomy of a snapping turtle. Since the device contributes to ecological restoration, its design was intentionally crafted to resemble a seed dispersing animal, representing a symbolic connection between nature and technology. This biomimicry approach not only reinforces the idea that the device is used for ecological purposes but also establishes an iconic product appearance.
INSPIRED BY NATURE, FOR NATURE
SIZE & FEATURES PLACEMENT TESTING
DEMETER – AUTONOMOUS SEED PLANTING ROBOT FOR WILDFIRE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTS
INNOVATION WITH HARDWARE
As a robotics mobility device designed to function autonomously outdoors, DEMETER incorporates advanced wide-view LiDAR camera technology, similar to those used in the automotive industry. Combined with a laser distance-calculation module and AI-powered pathfinding, this enables the robot to navigate complex terrain and detect near-by obstacles.
The robot accommodates four different seed materials which are all stored inside the shell, silicon sealed hatches are placed conveniently on top for fast and comfortable access when refill is needed. Fertilizer and water canisters are also mounted in a revealing and easily accessible area at the rear.
The hollow auger soil drill and fertilizer and water sprayers are placed at the rear in a collapsible form when not engaged. When in action, the selected seed tank feed seeds to the drill while each sprayer is fed by the assigned canister.
ROBOT IN ACTION – when deployed to post-wildfire environment
Once prerequisites including seed planting site boundaries, waypoint route, and seed to site matching have been set on a connected smart device, the robot will begin its journey. It will store navigation data and communicate with satellite, users will be able to monitor the robot’s position and will be notified on the number and position of planted seed types.
The robot will select suitable areas for seed establishment, ensuring there is plenty of soil available and that no invasive species that can compete for nutrients are nearby, the same goes for organic debris like wood trunks or rocks that are occupying much of the land.
Once area for planting is confirmed, the robot comes to a stop and lowers the soil drill to optimal depth best suited for the selected seed type. After the seed is injected into the soil, the drill retracts and the sprayers are activated. First, a controlled amount of fertilizer is applied on top of the planted seed before water is applied. The robot repeats this procedure every time, ensuring there is sufficient space between each planted seed and report data to the user.
ALIGNS THE DRILL TO THE DESIRED SPOT
Alignment camera and laser module equipped on the drill tool, servo rotational joints extend the arm outwards.
The extension long arm folds out to gain reach, while the shorter arm provides precision alignment. One seed flow into the hollow auger drill at a time.
Extending the sprayer tools
Space saving configuration of robotic arms at the rear to avoid being obstructive and appearing bulky.
First, dry fertilizer from the canister is fed to the sprayer to be applied to the soil. This is an important process as the soil in wildfire affected environments are severely damaged, lacking important nutrients and moisture needed for seeds to germinate. The fertilizer applied will help enrich the soil, assisting the seed to grow in the harsh condition.
After the fertilizer sprayer arm is retracted, the water sprayer arm is extended. This is also an important step as the fertilizer material needs to be activated, the water will break down the material and release nutrients into the soil so it can be better absorbed by the seed. This is especially crucial in an environment where water is scarce and soil is dry.
The horizontal rotational joints fold the sprayer arms outwards, guided by the alignment camera. When not in use, the arms seamlessly conceal themselves by collapsing into the body.
ORIGAMI INSPIRED STRUCTURE
Smart space saving solar panel structure design inspired by those used on space crafts like the James Webb Telescope. Electric servo motor rotates to push each blade out to create a dish, resulting in a large surface area for effective energy collection.
Being solar powered, the device can enter sleep mode during operation while charge is low. Completely removing the need for manual battery replacement which happens so often in large-scale conventional seed dispersal activities.
BUILT TO REACH THE BEYONDS
The robot is equipped with four all-terrain tracks that makes it capable of tackling rough terrain and slopes with ease to reach more land. Having four low-profile tracks rather than the typical two long large tracks not only saves weight and provide more ground clearance but also enhances the robot’s terrain adaptability.
The outer injection moulded ABS plastic cover attached to each track blocks off mud and dirt from gathering inside and also conceals the mechanical components. The side camera, sensor, and LED lighting are attached to each track cover.
VISUALLY STUNNING & COMMUNICATIVE
LED light bars attached to the inside of the side shell serves as seed capacity indicators, directly communicates with seed container camera scanners and weight sensors.
Power button and smart device connect button illuminated in the center.
Frontal main LED lights provide character to the robot, FLASHES upon startup & when suffering from malfunctions during operation to allow easy identification in the wild.
FAST & COMFORTABLE ACCESS
Four containers – Four different seed types, allowing a diverse range of plants to be established.
Easy to use flip-up hatches that when opened, reveals a large area for the user to safely pour seeds into. When closed each hatch is sealed using a silicon seal lip, preventing rainwater from leaking into the seed containers, as well removing the need for mechanical hardware or magnets.
Lightweight & durable ABS hatch, when flipped all the way up it rests on its hinge to make room for the user. Low profile black anodised aluminium metal handle to facilitate interaction.
INNOVATION DONE RIGHT
Conventional seed dispersal devices like drones utilise spinner discs which are unreliable by causing blockages and require changing every time a seed with a different size is to be used.
The innovative implementation of electronically controlled iris valve below each container allows greater adjustment of opening to accommodate seed size without manual hardware replacement. Improving seed adaptability, functional reliability and reducing human labour significantly.
As shown on the left, the iris valve is capable of going from a smaller opening to a large bore opening for large seeds. They can also automatically adjust opening to prevent blockage if necessary.
ROBOT DEVICE – EXPLODED VIEW
THE INTRICACY OF ROBOTIC COMPONENTS
All components are designed around the chassis and scaffolding structure. Large exterior shells and seed containers are compression moulded using ABS plastic for durability, while smaller parts like track covers and robotic arm casings are injection moulded. The placement of multiple off the shelf products such as the LiDar camera module, center placed battery pack, PCB with onboard RAM memory, and vaccum pressure generators were considered in the design of the assembly.
The robotic arms arrangement is perhaps the most complex area of this device, featuring various servo motors, spacers and rotational wheels, all housed inside durable stainless steel brackets attached to each other using mechanical hardware. As mentioned before, the ABS casing conceals all parts and protects it from environment factors like water, dirt and mud.
MECHANICAL STRUCTURE – CHASSIS & SKELETON DESIGN
CNC Machined lightweight 6061 Grade Aluminium chassis & scaffolding establishes rigidity and foundation, assembled with a variety of precisely designed parts, using basic mechanical hardware that can be done with simple consumer level tools.
All large exterior ABS shells and aluminium parts like LiDar camera and robotic arm mounts – attaches to the chassis & scaffolding.
THE ATTENTION TO STYLING – GOING BEYOND EXTERIOR
Zane Li
Zane Li is an industrial designer driven by a strong sense of creativity and problem-solving mindset. Zane's design journey started at a young age, when he was imagining products and devices on paper and showing them to classmates. Now his design philosophy blends artistic values with purposeful innovation, creating works that not only solve problems but also evoke emotions. Zane is passionate about advanced complex product designs, and favours attention to detail.
