A new European initiative is using underwater robotics and kelp farming to address climate change and biodiversity loss. The project, a collaboration between the University of Graz, Carbon Kapture, and the BioDiMoBot initiative, aims to improve ocean monitoring and ecosystem restoration.
At the centre of the effort is BioDiMoBot, an autonomous mobile robot designed to monitor biodiversity and detect stress in aquatic environments. The robot collects real-time data using physical sensors, biohybrid technology, and AI analysis, enabling early detection of environmental threats in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
The project also incorporates large-scale kelp farming, led by Carbon Kapture, which provides expertise in carbon sequestration and aquaculture. Seaweed farming contributes to natural carbon removal and supports marine biodiversity, making it a key part of the project’s environmental and economic goals.
“This collaboration is helping us understand biodiversity loss with better tools,” said Professor Ronald Thenius of the University of Graz. “Carbon Kapture’s experience bridges the gap between research and field deployment.”
Carbon Kapture’s role supports the project’s practical applications, offering insight into kelp’s role in ecosystem services. Paul Rees, the company’s Chief Revenue Officer, emphasized the importance of combining data and natural systems to support sustainable development.
The initiative aligns with the European Union’s priorities on water quality, biodiversity, and digital transformation. With its open data approach and scalable design, BioDiMoBot offers policymakers and scientists a potential early warning system for pollution, warming, and habitat degradation.
Funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, the project is being recognised as a model for collaborative conservation. Organisers say it represents a shift toward integrated solutions for restoring ocean health.
