3DReefs
We want to create corals artificially using 3D printing technology. Studies at many universities, (like Cambridge University), have shown that polyps prefer particular shapes when building corals and coral reefs. 3D scanning of coral samples is needed to determine what shapes are ideal for polyps to live and grow Corals reefs are called “rainforests of the oceans”.
Coral reefs play an important role in biological productivity, including increasing population of fish and invertebrates. These reefs can also act as escape routes or hiding spaces for the smaller marine life from their predators. These reefs attract marine life by offering a habitat for them to grow.
Coral reefs protect shorelines from storms and sand erosion. They are also a source of food and medicines and are instrumental in supporting millions of people around the world who depend on fishing and recreation businesses like diving and snorkeling.
The net economic value of the world’s coral reefs is estimated to be nearly tens of billions of U.S. dollars per year as published International Coral Reef Initiative.
Requirements
- Structure and Material – Natural corals are made of calcium carbonate (limestone). We need to investigate if we can print using calcium carbonate and other materials that are are sturdy and eco-friendly. The structure must be sturdy enough to withstand underwater currents and impact by big fish. The coloring must look natural.
- Inside the structure – The structure needs to have chambers or crevices that fish can use to hide from predators. Or make it their home. Fish love that. When designing the structure, we need to ensure that there is enough natural lighting in the crevices. Also we need to investigate if we can add artificial lighting and maybe even a camera to study polyps and other marine life.
- Rooting the structure – Natural corals tend to grow roots and grow into the in the ocean bed. The 3D printed coral must have a rooting structure that can be drilled into the ocean floor. This will make the overall structure sturdy enough to withstand under water currents and impact by big fish.
Highlights of working on this project
• Collaborate with talented people from different domains and areas of study and expertise
• Build a strong team with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Learn project management, project reporting, delivery cycles
• Work in a highly energized environment that focuses on high quality product development
• Discover, learn, innovate, and invent new ways for preserving and growing marine life
• Have fun in a super charged team of professionals students, collaborators, sponsors
For Contributors
• Remuneration – This is not a sponsored project. You will get credits, honorable mentions and a Certificate of Contribution from Ocean Builders.
• Learning – This project offers you opportunities to learn about this concept/topic/technology. You will get to collaborate and work with industry experts and professionals who will share their experiences and guide you along with their best practices.
• Culture – Work with people from different backgrounds, cultures, nationalities and get exposure to working on cross-functional and virtual teams.
• Get Your Hands Dirty – Roll up your sleeves and get practical on this project. Experience the joy of designing or building a machine/system/device that will be used by millions of people worldwide. If you are not co-located, video conference with your team and collaborate.
• Build and Grow your Professional Network – Collaborate on this project, make friends, and grow your professional network.
For Sponsors
• Top Talent – Work with talented people and find new recruits for your business as you see this project take shape.
• Goodwill – Get positive goodwill for your brand as a sponsor who is building something innovating and contributing to the future.
• Personal and Business Use – Use this system and technology for your home/boat/ship/company/organization
Branding – Brand it with your organization identity.
• Monetize – Invest in his project and take it to market with your brand identity
For Users
• Get involved in the design phase and share your thoughts on how you would use this product or technology in your daily lives.
• Give feedback at regular intervals and development stages to help this team to design and build a user-friendly system or technology.
• Work with people from different countries, cultures, backgrounds and experiences. It’s fun!
Academia
Get Recognition – Participate as an academician/student and contribute to research papers, college projects and participate in local, state, national, and international academic or technical conferences. Present papers on the innovations and advancements that have been made.
All of the above
Ocean Builders invites you to be a part of this project. You can be a sponsor, a contributor, a user, an academician AND you can be all of the above.
You will get credits redeemable for partial ownership of a SeaPod, education credits, get credited on papers and blog posts, honorable mentions and a Certificate of Contribution from Ocean Builders.
