LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Sci-tech

China develops desert robots to monitor sandstorm

1
2016-03-09 13:29Xinhua Editor: Gu Liping
Desert robots. (File photo)

Desert robots. (File photo)

A team of scientists in northwest China have developed two specialized robots that will record sand and dust levels related to desertification.

The robots, one six-legged and the other wheeled with a loading capacity of 8 kg and 80 kg respectively, can measure wind speed, air pressure, humidity, sand vibration and wind erosion, said Yang Zelin, a member of Ningxia University research team, on Wednesday.

The robots, which are equipped with solar panels, use microwaves to relay data over an area of 25 kilometers. They can run for one hour, said Yang.

Currently desert data is mainly collected from aerological stations, as it was previously difficult to collect on-the-ground information.

"The various sensors installed on the robots are only 50 centimeters from the ground, offering us the much needed in situ data we require," said Yang.

The robots are the result of a collaboration project between Ningxia University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, the University of Pennsylvania and the Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Ningxia, a dry and barren region in northwest China, borders Tengger Desert, China's fourth largest desert, which stretches over 43,000 square kilometers.

  

Related news

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Entertainment
Sports
Odd
Features
Biz
Economy
Travel
Travel News
Travel Types
Events
Food
Hotel
Bar & Club
Architecture
Gallery
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Learning Chinese
Learn About China
Social Chinese
Business Chinese
Buzz Words
Bilingual
Resources
ECNS Wire
Special Coverage
Infographics
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.