Robot FIDO Detects Invasive Species in Lakes and Rivers

Imagine a robot dog that sniffs out invisible threats lurking in our lakes and rivers, protecting ecosystems and communities before damage spreads.

Scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute have created exactly that. FIDO, the Filtering Instrument for DNA Observation, is a robotic sampler that detects invasive species, parasites, and pathogens in freshwater environments by analyzing traces of DNA left behind by aquatic organisms.

The technology works by collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples. Every organism leaves genetic breadcrumbs in the form of shed cells, skin, waste, and mucus. FIDO captures these microscopic clues and helps scientists identify which species are present, even when the creatures themselves remain hidden.

MBARI partnered with the US Geological Survey and the READI-Net initiative to develop FIDO starting in November 2022. The robot builds on MBARI's Environmental Sample Processor, a powerful but hefty 400-pound machine designed for ocean monitoring. FIDO delivers the same DNA-detection capabilities in a smaller, lighter, more affordable package perfect for freshwater environments.

The Ripple Effect

Early detection of biological threats can save entire ecosystems and local economies. Invasive species and pathogens damage commercial and recreational fishing industries while spreading diseases that affect both wildlife and humans. When managers catch these threats early, they can take targeted action before invaders establish themselves and multiply.

FIDO operates autonomously around the clock, sampling water regardless of weather conditions or time of day. This constant vigilance means communities don't have to wait for scheduled inspections to discover problems. The robot transmits data back to resource managers in near-real-time, providing immediate information about waterway health.

The device represents three years of engineering work to adapt ocean technology for rivers, lakes, and streams. USGS researchers saw potential in MBARI's robotic sampling capabilities back in 2017, but needed something more practical for widespread deployment. The result is a tool designed specifically for affordability, reliability, and scalability.

FIDO gives resource managers, decision-makers, and local communities a powerful new ally in protecting freshwater ecosystems. Jim Birch, director of MBARI's SURF Center, says the technology transforms how we monitor aquatic environments by making advanced DNA detection accessible across the country.

Communities nationwide now have a friend watching over their waterways, ready to bark when trouble arrives.