Can Google Glass help save endangered wildlife? 聽
That鈥檚 what was banking on when it partnered with Google鈥檚 project last October. On Tuesday, the conservation nonprofit and Google released a video demonstrating the new glassware that could be used to streamline fieldwork for rhino researchers in Nepal.
Currently, Nepali rhino researchers scribble hundreds of detailed notes (recording everything from the animal鈥檚 age to its markings) with pencil and paper from atop an elephant. By the time they get back to base, that information is illegible and incomplete. 聽
That鈥檚 about to change with Google Glass. The glassware prompts researchers to fill in information about the rhino鈥攁ll without ever taking their eyes off the animal. Plus, there鈥檚 no scrambling to pull out a camera as the subject trots off into the forest. When scientists return to their computers, Google Glass auto downloads notes and photos into a database. 聽
Like Google Glass, WWF鈥檚 Glassware is still in the “exploratory phase.” After WWF finishes fieldtesting and gathering feedback from its researchers, it will update the glasses. The technology faces some big challenges along the way鈥攊ncluding standing up to the harsh environment where the researchers work鈥攂ut WWF officials are optimistic.
鈥淭hough it鈥檚 still highly experimental,鈥 says Shubash Lohani, deputy director of WWF鈥檚 Eastern Himalayan Program, 鈥渢his project has the ability to take fieldwork to another level. It鈥檚 big idea thinking in an incredible place with serious conservation needs.鈥
Google has its sights set on more than just the conservationists, though. Through May 20, the tech company is calling all nonprofits based in the U.S. to . Following the discussion, five nonprofits will be awarded聽a pair of Glass, a trip to a Google office for training, a $25,000 grant, and access to developers to make their Glass project a reality.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0-jnefZuOhA