The Mamba: A Suspended Manipulator to Sample Plants in Cliff Environments

Abstract

Conservation efforts in cliff habitats pose unique challenges due to their inaccessibility, limiting the study and protection of rare endemic species. This project introduces a novel approach utilizing aerial manipulation through a suspended manipulator attached with a cable under a drone to address these challenges. Unlike existing solutions, the Mamba provides a horizontal reach up to 8 m to approach cliffs while keeping the drone at a safe distance. The system includes a model-based control system relying solely on an inertial measurement unit (IMU), reducing sensor requirements and computing power to minimize overall system mass. This article presents novel contributions such as a double pendulum dynamic modeling approach and the development and evaluation of a precise control system for sampling operations. Indoor and outdoor tests demonstrate the effectiveness of the suspended aerial manipulator in real-world environments allowing the collection of 55 samples from 28 different species. This research signifies a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency and safety of conservation efforts in challenging cliff habitats.