Objectives of the service
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The service aims to solve a core problem faced by researchers and environmental monitoring teams: collecting high-quality biodiversity samples in remote or harsh locations without frequent site visits. Today, sampling is often manual, time-consuming, and logistically costly, which limits how often and where data can be collected. Existing tools are typically homemade or adapted from other fields, leading to inconsistent performance and limited reliability.
We will provide a professionally designed, autonomous sampling system capable of operating for weeks at a time while preserving sample quality. The system will be remotely controlled, use satellite communication for status updates, and integrate weather and environmental data to ensure samples are taken under the right conditions. By combining robust engineering, tested sampling methods and input from scientific partners, the service will offer a dependable way to collect repeatable, high-resolution environmental data without the need for on-site personnel.
Users and their needs
The primary users of the service are research institutions, environmental agencies, and conservation organizations that conduct biodiversity monitoring in remote, marine, freshwater, or otherwise hard-to-access environments. These users are mainly located in Norway and across Europe, but the solution is relevant globally for countries with strong environmental monitoring programs. NINA in Norway is the key user involved in the project and will contribute scientific guidance and early testing.
These groups need reliable, repeatable sampling without the cost and complexity of frequent field visits. They require equipment that works in harsh conditions, preserves sample integrity, and integrates smoothly into existing laboratory workflows. Meeting these needs is challenging because the system must balance scientific precision with long-duration autonomy, low maintenance, and easy deployment by non-specialists.
Key user needs:
- Ability to collect high-quality samples in remote or difficult environments
- Fewer site visits and lower operational costs
- Reliable long-duration operation with minimal maintenance
- Samples preserved in a way that meets scientific and regulatory standards
- Clear status reporting through remote communication
- Simple deployment and recovery procedures
Addressing these needs requires careful technical design, strong collaboration with scientific users, and validation across different environmental conditions.
Service/ system concept
The service provides users with reliable, time-stamped environmental samples collected automatically in the field. Users gain access to consistent, high-quality water or air samples suitable for laboratory analysis, along with basic metadata such as sampling time, environmental conditions, and system status. This gives researchers and monitoring agencies the ability to track biodiversity changes over long periods without visiting the site, enabling more frequent and geographically extensive monitoring.
The system works by placing an autonomous sampling unit in the field for several weeks. At scheduled intervals—or when conditions are suitable—it draws a sample, preserves it, and stores it safely for later retrieval. The device sends status updates through satellite communication so users always know whether it is operating correctly. Weather and environmental data can be integrated to avoid sampling during heavy rain or unsuitable conditions.
Space Added Value
The service relies primarily on satellite communication and satellite-based environmental data to enable reliable, long-duration sampling in remote areas. Satellite communication allows the sampling unit to operate entirely without local infrastructure, giving users continuous status updates, alerts, and the ability to adjust schedules from anywhere. This is a major advantage over systems that depend on mobile networks, which are unavailable in many marine, arctic, or sparsely populated regions where biodiversity monitoring is most needed.
In addition, satellite-derived weather information can be used to optimise sampling conditions—for example, avoiding rainfall or high-turbidity events that could compromise sample quality. Integrating these data streams allows the system to make informed decisions autonomously, increasing the reliability and scientific value of the collected samples.
By combining autonomous hardware with space-based connectivity and environmental intelligence, the service provides capabilities that current manual or semi-automated tools cannot match: longer deployments, fewer failed samples, reduced field costs, and safe operation in locations that would otherwise be inaccessible. This creates a clear competitive advantage over existing solutions, which typically rely on on-site staff, short deployment times, or unstable communication links.
Current Status
Left: Technical mock-up of water sampler filtration unit. Right: first prototype air sampler (non-autonomous unit) for proof of concept.
We have completed a first round of technical scoping and early design work, including laboratory tests of key sampling components and initial field trials using our existing handheld pump as a reference platform. Collaboration with NINA has begun, with two structured feedback sessions focused on workflow needs, sample quality requirements, and deployment scenarios. We have also mapped the competitive landscape and collected pricing and product data from twelve international suppliers to refine our market assumptions.
Currently, we are developing preliminary system concepts and evaluating commercially available components for long-duration sampling and preservation. Work is underway to benchmark communication options and integrate satellite data into early design sketches.
Next, we will conduct targeted interviews with additional European research groups, perform benchtop testing of pump and filtration elements purchased through the project, and refine the technical concept ahead of the feasibility assessment.
