# Natural Environment-Analyzing Drones The 'eDrone' Captures eDNA From Fallen Branches By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2023-01-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edrone References: [newatlas](https://newatlas.com/drones/edrone-edna-drone-branches/) & [ethz.ch](https://ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2023/01/special-drone-collects-environmental-dna-from-trees.html)  The 'eDrone' is a scientific piece of equipment being developed to help gain better insights into the surrounding landscape to determine [animal populations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wildlife-protection) and more. The drone works by utilizing a series of sensors and a depth-sending camera to autonomously target the branch on a tree to harvest any [genetic material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genome-sequencing) that could be present. The drone has already gone to work in several test flights on a total of seven trees where 21 different eDNA organisms were observed. The drone is now being prepared for a competition where it must detect as many species as possible within a 100-acre region in 24-hours. The 'eDrone' is being developed by the ETH Zurich research institute, The [Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firedrone-by-empa), and eDNA company Spygen. Image Credit: ETH Zurich ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 14% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Edna Detection Drones:** The development of eDNA detection drones presents an opportunity for researchers to obtain more accurate and efficient data on animal populations and environmental health. - **Autonomous Scientific Equipment:** The use of sensors and depth-sending cameras in autonomous scientific equipment provides opportunities for more precise data collection in various industries. - **AI-assisted Environmental Research:** The integration of artificial intelligence in environmental research can help researchers analyze and interpret large amounts of data faster and more accurately. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Environmental Research:** The development of eDNA detection drones and autonomous scientific equipment can improve data collection and analysis in environmental research. - **Wildlife Conservation:** EDNA detection drones offer opportunities for more efficient and non-invasive species identification in wildlife conservation and management. - **Forestry:** The use of eDNA detection drones in forestry management can help assess tree health and predict potential disease outbreaks before they occur. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Water Sampling Drone Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydro-hawk.md) - [Carbon-Caged Mapping Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mapping-drone.md) - [Extreme-Heat Firefighting Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firedrone-by-empa.md) - [Customized Volcano-Monitoring Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/littleraven.md) - [Biomimicry Bird-Like Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bionic-bird-xfly.md) - [Sustainable Bamboo-Crafted Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamboo-drone.md) - [Flame-Resistant Firefighting Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firefighting-drones.md) - [Danger-Embracing Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangerembracing-underwater-drones.md) - [Flying Fruit-Harvesting Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tevel-far-drone.md)