Engineering with Nature in Mind

Mangrove seeding depends on placing the right number of seeds in the right location, under conditions that give them a real chance of establishing.

This becomes difficult in areas where deep mud, tidal and coastal conditions, and high temperatures make manual planting challenging. Drone seeding provides a way to access these locations more efficiently, but the drone alone does not solve the problem. It needs a reliable mechanism capable of controlling how seeds are released and distributed during flight.

At Nabat, we are developing a custom seeding mechanism that controls how seeds are held, released, and distributed, from loading through to the moment they reach the target area. Our engineering work focuses on improving the reliability, durability, and consistency of the mechanism. This includes electrical and mechanical design changes that prioritize reliable performance and ease of use, from assembly and day-to-day operation to routine maintenance. The aim is to maintain an accurate, uniform distribution of seeds that remain healthy and viable after release.

Image 2 & 3: Nabat uses DJI drones with custom built seeding mechanism to achieve precise and consistent seeding distribution.

Every mechanism goes through inspection and functional testing before it is released for field use. These tests confirm that all components respond correctly, the mechanism operates across the required speed range, and the seeds move through the system as intended. They also allow us to identify issues such as inaccuracy, deformation, or inconsistent spreading before the mechanism reaches the field.

Field testing is where the complete system is validated. The drone is flown at a range of speeds and angles, with the mechanism settings adjusted on each pass, until we find the combination that delivers consistent seed coverage across the target area. The results are analyzed so we know how the system performs and that seeds reach the target area with accurate distribution and in viable condition.

The process does not end with testing. Feedback from the operating team helps us understand how the mechanism performs during preparation, loading, operation, cleaning, and maintenance. This information is used to improve the next version and make the system more practical for repeated use during the seeding season.

Aerial seeding extends what field teams can reach, adding speed and access in locations where manual seeding is not possible. Between 2017 and 2024, mangrove cover in the UAE increased from approximately 7,080 hectares to 9,142 hectares. Abu Dhabi accounted for an increase of approximately 1,855 hectares during this period. (Source: Artificial Intelligence Mangrove Monitoring System Based on Deep Learning and Sentinel-2 Satellite Data in the UAE (2017-2024), arXiv:2411.11918) These figures reflect the UAE’s continued commitment to mangrove restoration and the importance of developing technologies that can support these efforts at scale.

For us, successful engineering begins with the environment. The conditions of the site, the characteristics of the seeds, and the requirements of field operations guide every improvement we make.

The goal is a reliable seeding mechanism that makes accurate, large-scale ecosystem restoration possible.

Mikhail Alekseevich, Senior Hardware Engineer

As a Senior Hardware Engineer at Nabat, my work focuses on developing innovative hardware and robotic solutions for ecosystem restoration. Building on over 10 years of R&D experience and my background in afforestation technologies, I turn ideas into practical systems that can operate in challenging real-world environments. Working across mechanical design, mechatronics, automation, and field deployment, I help develop technologies that make restoration more scalable and efficient. I’m passionate about using innovation to transform the way we restore and protect ecosystems.

Fatema AlShehhi, Associate Hardware Engineer

My work sits at the intersection of engineering, project delivery, and sustainability. At Nabat, I support technology-driven projects for environmental restoration, with a role spanning project management, supplier and stakeholder coordination, design validation and testing. My background in robotics engineering, combined with master's degrees in Engineering Systems and in Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, shapes how I turn technical ideas into working solutions. I am passionate about applying innovation and green technology to real-world challenges.