RangerBot: The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Hunting Crown-of-Thorns Starfish on the Great Barrier Reef

by Jasmine February 1, 2026

written by Jasmine February 1, 2026

Sea-Star Murdering Robots Deployed on the Great Barrier Reef

The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Problem

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s iconic natural wonder, is facing a serious threat from an unlikely source: the crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS). These venomous sea stars feed on coral, and their population has exploded in recent years, causing widespread damage to the reef.

Enter the RangerBot

To combat this threat, scientists have developed a new weapon: the RangerBot, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) designed to hunt and kill COTS using lethal injection. The RangerBot is the result of over a decade of research and development at Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

How the RangerBot Works

The RangerBot uses advanced robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to identify and target COTS. Once a sea star is identified, the RangerBot injects it with a lethal dose of bile salts, which cause tissue damage and trigger a powerful immune response that kills the sea star within 20 hours.

Benefits of the RangerBot

The RangerBot offers several advantages over traditional methods of COTS control:

Autonomy: The RangerBot can operate independently, freeing up human resources for other tasks.
Precision: The RangerBot’s AI-powered vision system allows it to identify COTS with 99.4% accuracy.
Efficiency: The RangerBot can inject multiple sea stars in a single dive, making it a highly efficient method of COTS control.
Data Collection: The RangerBot can also gather valuable data on water quality, coral health, and sea star populations, which can inform management decisions.

Deployment and Potential Impact

The RangerBot is currently being deployed on the Great Barrier Reef, where it is expected to play a significant role in controlling COTS outbreaks. Researchers believe that the RangerBot could help to reverse coral declines on the reef by reducing the number of COTS and preventing future population explosions.

Collaboration and Future Developments

The RangerBot is the result of a collaboration between QUT, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), and Google. Researchers are continuing to develop and refine the RangerBot, with the goal of making it even more effective and versatile.

Environmental Considerations

While the RangerBot is designed to target COTS specifically, researchers are aware of the potential for unintended environmental impacts. They are carefully monitoring the RangerBot’s deployment and data collection to ensure that it does not harm other marine life or disrupt the reef ecosystem.

Conclusion

The RangerBot is a groundbreaking innovation in marine conservation. This autonomous underwater vehicle has the potential to revolutionize COTS control on the Great Barrier Reef and protect this precious ecosystem for future generations.

Jasmine

Jasmine's journey began with a camera in hand and a heart brimming with stories. The world, for her, wasn't just a collection of sights and sounds; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with intricate details, each one waiting to be captured and explored. This inherent curiosity naturally led her to the written word, where she discovered the power of language to weave narratives that resonated with the soul. Jasmine's articles in LifeScienceArt's life section are a testament to this synergy. Her words dance across the page, painting vivid pictures that transport readers to the heart of the experience. Whether it's the quiet contemplation sparked by a morning sunrise or the electrifying energy of a bustling city street, Jasmine has an uncanny ability to translate the essence of a moment into words that resonate. But Jasmine's talents extend far beyond the written word. With a keen eye for detail and a photographer's soul, she sees the world through a unique lens. Her photographs are more than just snapshots; they're windows into hidden emotions and unspoken narratives. A single image, captured with Jasmine's signature touch, can evoke a kaleidoscope of feelings, prompting introspection and igniting a sense of wonder in the viewer. The way she plays with light and shadow, or the way she finds beauty in the ordinary, speaks volumes about her artistic vision. It's clear that Jasmine doesn't just see the world; she feels it, deeply and passionately. This depth of feeling is evident in her writing as well. Jasmine's articles are infused with a raw honesty that connects with readers on a personal level. She doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of life, the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and failures that we all experience. But even when tackling difficult topics, there's an underlying optimism in her words, a belief in the inherent resilience of the human spirit. Jasmine's writing encourages readers to embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences, to find beauty in the unexpected, and to navigate the challenges with courage and grace. One gets the sense that Jasmine's own life is a continuous exploration, a constant search for new experiences and perspectives. Whether it's venturing off the beaten path to capture a hidden gem through her lens or delving into the depths of human emotion through her writing, Jasmine thrives on the journey itself. This inherent sense of adventure is infectious, inspiring readers to embark on their own explorations, both internal and external. Jasmine's work isn't just about capturing moments; it's about igniting a spark of curiosity and a desire to live life to the fullest. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Jasmine's work is the sense of intimacy it evokes. Reading her articles feels like having a conversation with a close friend, someone who understands the nuances of life and isn't afraid to share their vulnerabilities. This ability to connect with readers on a personal level is what makes Jasmine's writing so powerful and enduring. It's a testament to her own authenticity and her genuine desire to connect with others through the magic of words and images.