Sensor-laden devices dropped into volcanoes by drone

In one of the more unusual uses for drones that I have seen, researchers at the University of Bristol have developed ‘Dragon Eggs’ which initially detect tiny tremors, kicking the other sensors into life. After a tremor has been detected, data is collected about humidity, temperature and the gases present in the air around. This is then transmitted to a base station up to six miles away, where the information can be analysed. These devices can only be delivered by drone, as the risk to humans in this volatile environment would be far too great.

The following video shows the moment the devices are dropped onto the active Stromboli volcano in Italy.

There is a more in-depth video about the project here:

Picture credit: University of Bristol