PLANT: Otto
TYPE
Marine Conservation Technology
ROLE
3D Modeler & UI/UX Designer
DURATION
10 Weeks
ORGANIZATION
USC
An autonomous underwater drone system designed to monitor marine ecosystems, collect data on ocean health, and actively restore degraded coral reefs through targeted intervention.
Project Presentation
Explore our complete project presentation to understand the full scope and vision of PLANT's Otto underwater drone system.
The Challenge
Marine ecosystems worldwide are facing unprecedented threats from climate change, pollution, and human activity. Our team was challenged to design a technological solution that could monitor ocean health, collect valuable scientific data, and actively participate in restoration efforts without further disrupting these fragile environments.
Project Objectives
- Create an autonomous underwater drone system for marine conservation
- Develop technology capable of monitoring ocean health metrics
- Design mechanisms for active ecosystem restoration
- Build a user-friendly interface for scientists and conservationists
- Ensure minimal environmental impact of the technology itself
Otto drone design with spatial analysis technology and camera systems
Meet Otto: The Underwater Conservation Drone
Otto is an autonomous underwater drone designed to be a marine ecosystem's best friend. Equipped with advanced sensors, sampling mechanisms, and planting capabilities, Otto can monitor ocean health, collect data, and actively participate in restoration efforts by planting coral, bacteria, and other organisms in degraded areas.
Otto's key components include organism storage, mechanical iris sampling layer, and sensor arrays
Key Features
- Autonomous Navigation: AI-powered movement through complex underwater environments
- Sampling Mechanisms: Mechanical iris system for collecting water and organism samples
- Planting Capabilities: Precision tools for deploying coral fragments and beneficial bacteria
- Sensor Array: Comprehensive monitoring of water quality, temperature, pH, and pollutants
- Low Environmental Impact: Quiet propulsion and non-disruptive sampling techniques
Technical Specifications
- Dimensions: 39.19 in × 36.5 in
- Operating Depth: Up to 100 meters
- Battery Life: 8-10 hours of active operation
- Communication: Acoustic and optical wireless transmission
- Materials: Recycled polymers and sustainable composites
- Sensors: Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, microplastics
Data Visualization & User Interface
A critical component of the Otto system is its user-friendly dashboard that allows scientists, conservationists, and even the general public to interact with the data collected by the drones. Our team designed an intuitive interface that visualizes complex ocean health metrics and tracks restoration progress in real-time.
Global tracking interface showing Otto drones' locations and restoration metrics
Detailed ocean health metrics including nitrogen levels, phosphorus, and microplastics
Dashboard Features
- Real-time Tracking: Monitor Otto drones' locations and activities
- Health Metrics: Visualize key ocean health indicators like pH, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels
- Restoration Progress: Track nautical miles covered and organisms planted
- Historical Data: Compare current conditions with historical trends
- Open Access: Transparent data sharing with the scientific community and public
Design Process
As the 3D modeler and UI/UX designer on the team, I led the development of Otto's physical form and the user interface for the monitoring dashboard. Our process involved extensive research into marine biology, underwater robotics, and conservation technology.
1. Research & Problem Definition
We began by consulting with marine biologists and conservation experts to understand the specific challenges facing ocean ecosystems and how technology could help address them. Key insights included the need for non-invasive monitoring, the importance of precision in restoration efforts, and the value of accessible data for scientific research.
2. 3D Modeling & Form Development
The physical design of Otto was inspired by marine life forms, optimized for hydrodynamic efficiency and minimal disruption to natural habitats. I created multiple iterations in Fusion 360 and Blender, testing different configurations for sensors, sampling mechanisms, and propulsion systems.
3. UI/UX Design
The dashboard interface was designed to make complex ocean data accessible and actionable. We created user personas ranging from marine scientists to conservation volunteers, ensuring the platform would serve diverse needs while maintaining scientific accuracy and depth of information.
4. Prototyping & Testing
We developed functional prototypes of both the Otto drone and the dashboard interface. The physical prototype was tested in controlled water environments to assess maneuverability and sampling capabilities, while the interface underwent multiple rounds of user testing with marine scientists and conservation groups.
Impact & Results
The PLANT Otto system represents a significant advancement in marine conservation technology, offering a scalable solution for monitoring and restoring ocean ecosystems. Our simulations and initial tests showed promising results:
4,537
Nautical miles covered in simulated deployment
2,534
Nautical miles of bacteria planted
2,549
Nautical miles of coral planted
The project received recognition from the USC Sustainable Innovation Award and has attracted interest from marine conservation organizations looking to implement the technology in real-world restoration efforts.
Our Team
PLANT was developed by a multidisciplinary team of USC students with backgrounds in design, engineering, marine biology, and computer science. Our diverse perspectives and complementary skills were essential to creating a holistic solution to complex marine conservation challenges.
The PLANT project team at USC
Reflections
Working on the PLANT Otto project deepened my understanding of how technology can be harnessed for environmental conservation. The interdisciplinary nature of the project challenged me to consider not just the aesthetic and functional aspects of design, but also its ecological impact and scientific utility.
Key Learnings
- The importance of biologically-inspired design in creating technology that works harmoniously with natural systems
- How to translate complex scientific data into intuitive visual interfaces
- The value of interdisciplinary collaboration between designers, engineers, and scientists
- Techniques for designing technology that minimizes its own environmental footprint
- The potential for autonomous systems to scale conservation efforts beyond human capabilities