Use of Mini Drone for Research Presented at the 5th Scientific Forum on Plant Biodiversity

Jabez flying the Tello inside the room.
Photo by Ara Bagunu.

Last Friday, January 11, we had the opportunity to share our experience in using the Ryze Tello drone as a tool for research at the 5th Scientific Forum on Plant Biodiversity at the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS) in UPLB. The event is the brainchild of Dr. Inocencio Buot, Jr. It was created to provide a platform for his students to share and present their research in the fields of botany, ecology, and environmental science. The forum is organized by the staff of the Plant Systematics Laboratory of IBS. 

"Let's Democratize Drones! Using the Ryze Tello Drone as a Tool for Ecological Farm Design & Landscape Ecology Research" was the topic we presented during the forum. We explained how photos and videos taken from a cheap and yet powerful drone like the Tello can benefit researchers, students, and farmers alike. A live demo of the Tello was conducted inside the room. We also showed Brian Sulicipan's documentary film on permaculture at the end of the presentation. 

Thanks to Ryze Robotics, DJI, and Intel for creating this small drone for hobbyists as well as student researchers such as ourselves. Farmers will also be able to use this drone for their farm designing, planning, and monitoring.

PRPH researchers, Jabez & Ara, with Dr. Buot of IBS

Special thanks to the other five presentors for sharing their awesome researches with us. Kudos to Dr. Buot, Prof. Marj, Ren and the Plant Systematics Lab family and the BiodiverStewards FB group for making this event possible!

Sample photo using the Ryze Tello