# Starfish-Tracking Robots The COTSbot is Designed to Protect Coral Reefs With Image Monitoring By Alyson Wyers | Published 2015-10-07 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protect-coral-reefs References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/eco-bots-helping-protect-vulnerable-environments/) & [qut.edu.au](https://www.qut.edu.au/news/news?news-id=95438) In an effort to protect coral reefs, this university is turning to [environmental robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-robots-1). Queensland University of Technology (QUT) developed eco-bots to scan the bottom of the ocean for Crown-of-Thorns [Starfish](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/etoe-starfish) (COTS) and prevent further damage in the Great Barrier Reef. The aptly named COTSbot uses real-time image monitoring to protect coral reefs in the area, which is less expensive and more straightforward compared to human operations. The COTSbot follows starfish because they feed on the vulnerable coral. When they become overpopulated, the [coral biodiversity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech4nature-project) is affected, which in turn has a harmful effect on other fish. The COTSbot is therefore designed to give a lethal dose of salt injection to any COTS it finds and, through human correspondence, is confirmed to actually be a COTS. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: South America, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Environmental Robots for Ocean Protection:** Opportunity for companies to innovate cost-effective and eco-friendly technologies for monitoring and reducing marine damage. - **Real-time Image Monitoring:** Companies can utilize image recognition technology to improve decision-making and increase efficiency in a variety of industries. - **Automated Wildlife Monitoring:** Potential for innovation in developing robots for identifying, tracking and managing wildlife populations and preserving fragile ecosystems. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Environmental Management:** Cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions to environmental problems can benefit companies focused on sustainability. - **Marine Conservation:** Innovations in marine conservation technologies, such as real-time image monitoring, can improve the protection of marine ecosystems. - **Wildlife Conservation:** Automation and robotics can play a role in wildlife conservation efforts, allowing for efficient monitoring of wildlife populations and fragile ecosystems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ocean Data Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cstar.md) - [Oyster-Harvesting Water Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-robot.md) - [Automated Ocean-Cleaning Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellyfishbot.md) - [Coastal Erosion Prevention Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sand-robot-concept.md) - [Bionic Fishing-Tracking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bionic-positioning-fish.md) - [Danger-Embracing Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangerembracing-underwater-drones.md) - [Pest-Slaying Agricultural Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pestslaying-agricultural-robot.md) - [Autonomous Aquafarming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cultivation-robot.md) - [Sea Mine-Destroying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minedestroying-underwater-robots.md)