Smith-Root Partners with National Labs to Advance eDNA Robot for Aquatic Monitoring

Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have entered a cooperative research and development agreement with Smith-Root, Inc. to commercialize the eDNA-bot — an autonomous platform for real-time environmental DNA biomonitoring. The collaboration unites ORNL's expertise in molecular ecology and advanced manufacturing with PNNL's marine systems research and Smith-Root's established presence in ecological sampling instrumentation. By continuously collecting and analyzing water samples in situ, the eDNA-bot offers a non-invasive high-throughput alternative to labor-intensive methods, with AI-driven autonomy extending its reach into remote and hazardous environments. Having already demonstrated success detecting cryptic species at TVA hydropower reservoirs, the technology has a clear application pathway in hydropower licensing, invasive species surveillance, and pathogen monitoring. This public-private partnership exemplifies how national laboratory innovation can accelerate translational science with meaningful ecological and regulatory impact.

Read the full story here: https://www.ornl.gov/news/aquatic-robot-monitor-species-advance-hydropower