High-Capacity Seed Bombing System (2024 Fall)
The Challenge
Deforestation in Nepal has led to frequent, deadly landslides. Manual reforestation on steep slopes is dangerous, and previous drone systems were inefficient because they only carried 200 seeds and often jammed during operation.
Our Solution
An improved high-capacity seed-bombing system was designed with a hopper that can carry 1,200 seeds. It features a motorized mixer inside a pyramid-shaped hopper to ensure a continuous and reliable flow of seeds to the launcher without jamming.
How It Works
Reforestation is vital because native plant roots help bind the soil and prevent slides. The mechanical design ensures that seeds are shot with enough speed to penetrate 50 mm into the ground from a flight altitude of 10 meters.
The Outcome
This high-capacity system allows for continuous operation, making large-scale aerial seeding possible in hard-to-reach areas. It provides a safer and faster way to restore vegetation and improve soil stability across the Himalayas.