New Courses Prepare Professionals for the Rise of Environmental Robotics
The increasing reliance on robotics for environmental data collection is driving demand for skilled professionals who can deploy, operate and interpret data from these autonomous systems. Recognizing this need, the Scientific Robotics Academy (SRA), based at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban, UK, is launching two new courses this March: ‘Environmental monitoring using autonomous platforms’ and ‘Applied photogrammetry for environmental monitoring.’
These courses arrive as artificial intelligence and robotics converge to transform environmental work, streamlining tasks like survey work and species identification. The SRA’s initiative aims to equip researchers, engineers, planners, and environmental managers with the practical skills needed to navigate this evolving landscape and capitalize on new career opportunities.
Bridging the Skills Gap
The ‘Environmental monitoring using autonomous platforms’ course is designed for those with a beginner to intermediate level of experience, while ‘Applied photogrammetry for environmental monitoring’ caters to an intermediate to advanced audience. The curriculum focuses on providing hands-on experience with autonomous systems and the data processing techniques essential for effective analysis.
Dr. Phil Anderson, head of the Scientific Robotics Academy, emphasized the impending shift in data collection methodologies. “By the end of this decade we will have seen a huge change in how we collect data,” he stated. “The affordability and reliability of autonomous systems means that recording data in this way is very much the current direction of travel.”
Dr. Anderson further explained that proficiency with these systems will be crucial not only for adapting to change but also for actively shaping the future of robotics in environmental applications. “Those who are familiar with such systems and understand their strengths and limitations will be ideally placed to not just adapt to this change, but help to develop and influence how robotics is used. Our course gives participants practical experience with autonomous systems and the necessary data processing skills to support that.”
Real-World Impact and Early Validation
The new courses build upon a successful development course offered by the SRA last September. Feedback from participants highlights the value of the training in sparking new ideas and improving existing research practices.
Ximena Aguilar Vega, a PhD student at the University of Stirling who participated in the previous course, noted the breadth of possibilities revealed by the training. “It has been amazing to see all the options out there in terms of robotics and all the things we could do, not just in facilitating fieldwork, but what could be achieved through various sensors being used. The course has sparked a lot of ideas!”
Dr. Sean Morgan of Dalhousie University, Canada, another attendee of the previous course, found the training particularly valuable for refining his existing work. “I’ve been using robotics in my research, but mostly autonomous surface vehicles, so it was great to see what else is available. The work we’ve done during this course on protocols and best practice has given me ideas on what I can do better.”
Support and Accessibility
The courses are supported by Argyll and Bute Council, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation in the region. Renewable energy developer Nadara is also contributing by sponsoring places for the first ten applicants, increasing accessibility to this vital training.
The SRA’s initiative reflects a broader trend towards the integration of robotics and AI in environmental science. As autonomous systems become more sophisticated and affordable, the demand for professionals capable of leveraging these technologies will only continue to grow. These courses aim to position participants at the forefront of this technological shift, enabling them to contribute to more effective and sustainable environmental management practices.
Interested individuals can find more information and registration details on the SAMS Enterprise website: Courses — SAMS Enterprise – Marine Consultancy.
