Creating bio-inspired synthetic flowers to support standardised monitoring of pollinating insects
Lead Research Organisation:
CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY
Department Name: School of Water, Energy and Environment
Abstract
Project highlights:
- This project will support global efforts to investigate and monitor declining pollinator population by fabricating bio-inspired 'synthetic' flower attractants.
- This interdisciplinary project will use cutting edge techniques in design including 3D printing, CAD and visualisation, in design and microfabrication to replicate flower shape, colours (including UV), smells and function (i.e. providing micro-capillary sugar solution)
- 'Synthetic' flowers will be tested in controlled settings using captive insects, as well as being deployed and tested in real world settings as attractants for machine vision AI-assisted insect monitoring systems.
- This project will support global efforts to investigate and monitor declining pollinator population by fabricating bio-inspired 'synthetic' flower attractants.
- This interdisciplinary project will use cutting edge techniques in design including 3D printing, CAD and visualisation, in design and microfabrication to replicate flower shape, colours (including UV), smells and function (i.e. providing micro-capillary sugar solution)
- 'Synthetic' flowers will be tested in controlled settings using captive insects, as well as being deployed and tested in real world settings as attractants for machine vision AI-assisted insect monitoring systems.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE/S007350/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/09/2027 | |||
| 2761515 | Studentship | NE/S007350/1 | 01/10/2022 | 26/03/2026 | Abra Ash |