# 241. Moby Dick Finally Gets a Fitbit

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2026-02-24
- Length: 16m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-02-24-241-moby-dick-finally-gets-a-fitbit
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/241-moby-dick-finally-gets-a-fitbit-073kXFUA

## Summary

The hosts discuss Ocean Alliance's innovative use of drones and 3D printing to study whale health non-invasively. They detail the evolution from the 'Snotbot' drone for snot analysis to 'smart darts' that act as Fitbits, monitoring whale behavior and physiology. The conversation highlights how additive manufacturing, specifically with Ultimaker printers, enables rapid iteration, interchangeable drone payloads, and on-site repairs in remote locations like Antarctica.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-02-24-241-moby-dick-finally-gets-a-fitbit#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor Read
- [3:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-02-24-241-moby-dick-finally-gets-a-fitbit#t=202) Ocean Alliance and the Problem with Invasive Darting
- [5:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-02-24-241-moby-dick-finally-gets-a-fitbit#t=353) The Snotbot and Drone-Based Sampling
- [8:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-02-24-241-moby-dick-finally-gets-a-fitbit#t=482) Smart Darts as Whale Fitbits
- [10:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-02-24-241-moby-dick-finally-gets-a-fitbit#t=628) Additive Manufacturing for Iteration and Repair
- [14:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-02-24-241-moby-dick-finally-gets-a-fitbit#t=894) Conclusion: Non-Invasive Ecosystem Monitoring

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Ocean Alliance (company)
- Snotbot (product)
- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Ultimaker (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [BONUS: Exploring Manufacturing Partnerships Part 2, Live from IMTS 2022 (brought to you by KUKA)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-11-11-bonus-exploring-manufacturing-partnerships-part-2-live-from-imts-2022-brought-to) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Episode 59: Robots at sea - Ffion Llewellyn](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-10-27-episode-59-robots-at-sea-ffion-llewellyn) (Robot Talk)
- [Why AM and Orthotics & Prosthetics are the Perfect Fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit) (Additive Snack)
- [Ep 217: The Unintentional Space and 3D Printing Episode](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-05-05-ep-217-the-unintentional-space-and-3d-printing-episode-eaccf4fe) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 123: Radioactive Rhinos, Wile-E-Coyote Jetpack, Radio Hacks 3-Ways, and Battery Welders on the Spot](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2021-06-18-ep-123-radioactive-rhinos-wile-e-coyote-jetpack-radio-hacks-3-ways-and-battery-w) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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