Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Kevan M. Yamahara is an environmental scientist and engineer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) whose work sits at the dynamic intersection of autonomous robotics, molecular biology, and aquatic ecosystem monitoring. His research has fundamentally advanced the field of environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance by developing and deploying cutting-edge robotic platforms capable of collecting and analyzing biological samples in environments that are logistically challenging or impossible to monitor through traditional means. Yamahara's most influential contributions include pioneering the use of MBARI's Environmental Sample Processor for in-situ detection of harmful algal blooms and fecal indicator bacteria (54 citations), and demonstrating robotic eDNA bio-surveillance of freshwater systems (51 citations). His 2023 study extending autonomous eDNA collection across a 4,200-km Pacific Ocean transect (32 citations) showcases the remarkable geographic scale his methods can achieve. Most recently, his development of FIDO — a low-cost, scalable eDNA sampler created in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey — reflects a commitment to democratizing environmental monitoring technology. Across his career, Yamahara has consistently pushed the boundaries of what autonomous systems can accomplish for biodiversity assessment and ecosystem health surveillance.