Robotic Advancements in Ecological Monitoring and Ecosystem Restoration

The urgency of addressing climate change, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss has increased the need for innovative technologies to explore, monitor, and restore ecosystems. Traditional environmental monitoring methods, though essential, often fall short due to the vastness and inaccessibility of many natural areas—such as oceans, forests, and mountains—which are often hazardous or difficult to reach. These challenges limit the frequency and scope of fieldwork. Additionally, traditional methods rely heavily on manual data collection, which is time-consuming, costly, and typically restricted to short-term, localized studies. As a result, data gaps hinder a full understanding of ecological patterns. With environmental degradation accelerating, it is clear that conventional approaches alone are insufficient. New technologies are needed to provide continuous, wide-scale, and adaptive monitoring solutions that can meet the growing demand for accurate, real-time environmental data in complex and rapidly changing ecosystems.

The deployment of robotic systems presents an alternative solution to many of the limitations encountered by such traditional methods. These technologies are particularly valuable in addressing critical gaps as they can operate in regions where human involvement is constrained, dangerous, or impractical. Whether in extreme weather conditions, rugged terrains, or unstable environments, robotic systems provide a means to gather crucial real-time data without risking human safety or requiring substantial infrastructure. This continuous and precise data collection is essential for monitoring changes in ecosystems and tracking the effects of climate change while also enabling the observation of wildlife and their habitats. The goal of this Research Topic is to showcase recent advancements in the fields of Robotics and AI that are shaping the future of environmental conservation and ecosystem management. It seeks to highlight technologies that offer durable, scalable, and long-term solutions to some of the most pressing ecological challenges of our time. Contributions should demonstrate how intelligent robotic systems and AI-driven tools can support and enhance conservation efforts, enable continuous and precise environmental monitoring, and improve real-world decision-making in complex and dynamic ecosystems.

This Research Topic welcomes interdisciplinary research that bridges the gap between engineering, computer science, ecology, and environmental science to develop tools that are not only technologically advanced but also ecologically impactful and socially relevant. Submissions may include innovations in autonomous exploration, sensor integration, AI-enabled data analysis, swarm robotics, unmanned aerial or underwater systems, and predictive modeling—all with direct applications to sustainability, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, pollution tracking, disaster response, habitat restoration, and the efficient use and management of natural resources. Finally, the Topic encourages discussions on the ethical, practical, and policy-related implications of deploying such technologies in natural and human-influenced environments. Case studies, field deployments, and cross-sector collaborations that demonstrate real-world application and scalability are particularly valued. By bringing together new research and practical solutions, this special issue aims to support global efforts to create a more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally balanced future.

We will accept the following article types; Original Research, Systematic Review, Methods, Review and Data Report.

Topic Editor, Inna Sharf, is the co-founder of Kuiper AutonomI Inc. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.