Intel Corporation, Parley for the Oceans and the marine experts of Parley SnotBot joined in an Alaskan expedition, where they successfully deployed advanced drone technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to collect biological samples from whales and analyze data in real time. Source: Christian Miller/Intel Corporation

By better studying whales, “we can learn how much pollution is in the water and how it’s impacting our life on this planet,” says Dr. Iain Kerr, Parley for the Oceans’ chief science officer, in the film, “Below the Surface: A Drones and AI Expedition.”

Through the collaboration of Intel, Parley for the Oceans and Parley Snotbot, scientists are now able to collect more and better data from whales without invasive means or any disturbance to the whales at all. On a recent Alaska expedition, the research team accessed the full capacity and range of the drone called SnotBot as a scientific tool to gather biological data, photogrammetry, volumetrics, photo ID and behavioral data. Intel technology allowed them to identify a whale from a past expedition, confirm pregnancy in another whale and gather real-time data on cetacean health.

This expertise and innovative technology empowers researchers to make more timely decisions in their immediate mission, allowing them to act upon real-time data that informs the longer-term health of our oceans and humanity.

The idea and name for Snotbot originated after Kerr was enveloped by a “cloud of stinky snot” when he got close to a whale but missed the opportunity to gather data because it dove before he could deploy the biopsy dart and arrow, the current standard means of getting samples from a whale.

Watch “Below the Surface, A Drones and AI Expedition,” produced by Intel in collaboration with Farm League and directed by Keith Malloy here.