From wombat burrows to Noah's Ark: robot joins search

Technology developed by an Australian engineer to explore wombat burrows has been sent to eastern Türkiye to join in the search for the biblical Noah’s Ark.  

The underground exploration robot named Gopher, designed by La Trobe University’s Dr Robert Ross, has been deployed at the Durupınar Formation near Mount Ararat. 

The site is where an international research team has begun drilling and collecting core samples from a boat-shaped geological feature that some believe could be linked to Noah’s Ark, the vessel described in the Book of Genesis in the Bible.  

Dr Ross, an Associate Professor in Electronics Engineering, said the collaboration with Noah’s Ark Discovery began nine months ago when he read a news item calling for a robot to explore the area.  

“It could be the archaeological discovery of the century but whether the site turns out to be Noah’s Ark or something completely different, it’s exciting to see our technology helping researchers investigate and better understand what’s there,” Dr Ross said.  

The Gopher is a lightweight, remote-controlled robot that is equipped with front and rear waterproof wide-angle cameras and environmental sensors, enabling researchers to collect data from locations inaccessible to humans, up to 25 metres below the surface.  

The robot left Australia for its new destination in late July and is a smaller version to the original robot, dubbed WomBot, first developed in 2021. 

While claims about the existence of Noah’s Ark remain highly contested, the project has attracted global attention and marks an unusual role for Australian-designed technology in an international archaeological investigation.  

Dr Ross said the robot could also be further used to detect wildlife or other archaeological discoveries into the future.  

Edward Szall, Head of Production at Noah’s Ark Discovery, is one of the members keeping Dr Ross up to date with the investigation, which can be limited by harsh winter conditions where temperatures drop well below freezing.  

“We look forward to working with Robert and our other university partners for next season to improve and upgrade the drone, and thank him and La Trobe University for their crucial donation of time and resources,” Mr Szall said.  

Creating a smaller version appropriate for this type of exploration was straightforward for Dr Ross, who had already 3D-printed a similar model for exploration of armadillo burrows in South America.  

While the search for Noah’s Ark may be its most unusual mission yet, WomBot is still being sought by protection agencies closer to home to assist with wildlife conservation efforts and mapping of burrows.  

“It’s been fascinating to see where our technology can be applied,” Dr Ross said.  

Images

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The robot Gopher in eastern Türkiye during search for biblical Noah's Ark. Credit: NoahsArkScans.com

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