Khalifa University鈥檚 Robotic Fish Monitor Mangroves and Coral Reefs, Following a Successful UAE鈥揓apan Mangrove Initiative
Khalifa University and The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) have launched a collaborative effort in marine robotics to support the UAE鈥揓apan Mangrove Planting Initiative, with Khalifa University鈥檚 Heterogeneous Swarm of Underwater Robotic Fish (H-SURF) deployed for pre-planting monitoring of mangroves and coral reefs 鈥� providing environmental observations that help ensure healthy marine ecosystems while advancing joint research and innovation.
As part of the UAE Embassy in Japan鈥檚 mangrove planting initiative, Khalifa University and UTokyo established a long-term collaboration focused on marine robotics research and capacity building. Earlier, a delegation from UTokyo visited Khalifa University鈥檚 Marine Robotics Lab, where researchers demonstrated its Heterogeneous Swarm of Underwater Robotic Fish (H-SURF) in a mock-up monitoring setup, designed to illustrate how autonomous systems can observe and characterize mangrove and coral environments prior to planting. The delegation from UTokyo was led by Prof. Toshihiro Maki, Associate Professor, UTokyo, with Dr. Yang Weng, Associate Professor, School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Eng., Arizona State University, and Mr. Qi Ming Yew, Master鈥檚 Student, The University of Tokyo.
The HSURF platform from Khalifa University supported the initiative by collecting baseline environmental observations 鈥� such as water parameters, habitat conditions, and visual assessments 鈥� that inform site readiness and help optimize planting outcomes. This project underscores both countries鈥� commitment to advancing technology and protecting marine ecosystems, aligning cutting edge robotics with sustainability and science-driven conservation.
During the visit, UTokyo delegation witnessed how the Khalifa University Marine Robotics Lab setup simulated key aspects of these tasks, offering insights into how HSURF integrates sensing, autonomy, and data workflows to support conservation actions. The demonstration was also a springboard for research exchanges 鈥� discussing sensor integration, autonomous navigation strategies in complex shallow-water environments, and the data analytics that translate raw observations into actionable insights.
Mangroves and coral reefs are crucial habitat-forming ecosystems, as they stabilize shorelines, sequester carbon, and shelter juvenile fish. Coral reefs support extraordinary biodiversity, protect coasts against storm surges, and underpin local economies.
Prof. Ahmed Al Durra, Associate Provost for Research, Khalifa University, said: “Khalifa University鈥檚 innovation ecosystem remains committed to move seamlessly from concept to real-world impact. By proactively initiating steps on international partnerships such as the collaboration with the University of Tokyo in advance, we demonstrate the readiness of our research capabilities, and sustainability priorities to the visiting delegations. This way, we ensure advanced technologies such as marine robotics are not only developed but deployed where they can make a measurable difference.鈥�
Prof. Yahya Zweiri, Director, Advanced Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) and Acting Center Director, Center for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (KU-CARS) said: 鈥淜halifa University and The University of Tokyo are working together to advance marine robotics research. Our HSURF robots successfully supported the UAE鈥揓apan Mangrove Planting Initiative by monitoring mangroves and coral reefs to ensure healthy marine ecosystems. This partnership 草莓视频 the commitment of both institutions to advancing technology and protecting marine ecosystems.鈥�
Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist聽
