Coral Farming Robot
Coral Husbandry Automated Raceway Machine (CHARM) provides a platform for anyone with access to a computer and an aquaculture raceway to grow resilient coral colonies.
This patent-pending invention makes coral farming more affordable and accessible worldwide.
A significant amount of time and labor is required to clean, maintain, and restore coral reefs. To address this, Beyond Coral Foundation’s president, Stephen Rodan, developed CHARM—a coral farming robot designed to reduce costs, time, and labor through automation. With just a computer and an aquaculture raceway, users can start coral farming on both small and large scales.
The system allows users to select a cleaning program for specific corals, which is executed by a connected machine. This machine features tools such as:
- A soft bristle brush to remove algae from corals
- A camera to identify corals
- A software system that automates cleaning via online portals
CHARM’s Additional Capabilities:
- Cleans corals using a rotary agitator
- Cultivates coral with a nozzle
- Catalogs coral using an inspection instrument
- Utilizes interchangeable tooltips
This innovative technology received patent-pending status in the USA, Australia, and internationally in 2020.
The ability to operate CHARM online makes it particularly beneficial for island nations and developing countries. It is an effective tool for industries focused on coral breeding, algae identification and removal, and coral maintenance.
