One of the key factors behind UNAIR’s victory at the Mandalika Essay Competition 2025 was their two innovative projects, C-Mount and Sea Robot, which stood out in the competition.
1. C-Mount: An AI-Based Device for Coral Reef Monitoring
C-Mount is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and underwater sensor-based device designed to monitor coral reef ecosystems in real time. The device can:
✅ Detect color and structural changes in coral reefs to assess their health.
✅ Count fish populations and biodiversity levels in a given marine area.
✅ Provide early warnings of potential ecosystem damage, such as coral bleaching caused by climate change or marine pollution.
“Coral reefs are home to more than 25% of marine species. If they deteriorate, the entire marine ecosystem can be disrupted. C-Mount is designed to support effective coral reef conservation efforts,” Andini explained.
2. Sea Robot: An Eco-Friendly Technology to Combat Ocean Plastic Pollution
Meanwhile, Sea Robot was developed to remove plastic waste from Indonesian waters and monitor seawater quality. The robot is equipped with:
🛠 Microplastic detection sensors to identify plastic waste in the water.
🔋 Solar power as an energy source, making it environmentally friendly.
🌊 An autonomous navigation system that allows the robot to move independently across the ocean without constant human intervention.
According to Andini, the Sea Robot holds immense potential for reducing plastic pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change.
“We hope this technology can be utilized by coastal communities, fishermen, and governments to protect marine ecosystems,” she added.
Both projects were considered highly relevant to global environmental issues and demonstrated real-world solutions to ecological challenges in aquatic ecosystems.
