How The Eye above uses a 96% 3D printed drone to catch poachers in South Africa
A project in collaboration with Telluraves Aerospace, using HP's MJF technology
In the rugged heart of South Africa, an innovative nonprofit organization is revolutionizing the way we protect endangered wildlife. The Eye Above, founded in 2019 and named after the Tsonga phrase “Tihlo Henhla,” meaning “Eye Above,” harnesses cutting-edge 3D printed drone technology from Telluraves Aerospace to combat poaching in some of the continent’s most remote and challenging terrains. This approach transforms conservation and empowers local communities through education and employment.
As Francois Minec told VoxelMatters, “MJF is used for many drone applications, including large-scale ones like the BushRanger. Not just for one-offs, but for actual production.”
The design of the BushRanger reflects the harsh realities it must face. Traditional drones often fail in environments plagued by wind, dust, and unpredictable weather. Robert Miller, the founder and CEO of Telluraves Aerospace and founder of The Eye Above project, witnessed these limitations firsthand and set out to develop a drone tough enough to survive and thrive in such conditions. The result was the BushRanger, which is now entering final flight testing. This drone features a rear-transition configuration, allowing it to switch seamlessly between vertical and forward flight, and is equipped with fixed front lift rotors and offset tilting rear rotors for stability and efficient movement.
Its technology suite includes thermal and optical cameras for surveillance day and night, and a radar system capable of detecting snares—tools commonly used by poachers to trap animals. These capabilities allow the drone to act as a vigilant protector, spotting potential threats long before they escalate. The BushRanger can fly for up to 90 minutes in forward motion and 30 minutes while hovering, offering extensive coverage during each mission. Furthermore, its telemetry, GPS systems, AI processors, and collision avoidance technology enable it to operate autonomously and safely, even in complex environments.
The Eye Above plans to expand its impact by initially deploying 15 additional BushRanger drones throughout South Africa. This effort is supported by a coalition of partners, including the Endangered Wildlife Trust, International Crane Foundation, Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks, and HP Additive Manufacturing Solutions. Together, they are developing new guidelines for integrating unmanned aerial systems into conservation strategies and extending this model to global projects.
As Robert Miller told VoxelMatters, “The original plan was to deploy 15 BushRanger VTOLs into South Africa, but since the reveal, we have received requests from conservation organizations in other countries for BushRanger deployments. So – he clarified – as François Minec said, this is a production airframe that can rival airframes manufactured from materials like carbon/glass fiber or EPO.”
However, The Eye Above’s mission goes beyond deploying high-tech gadgets. At its core, the organization is committed to fostering a conservation ecosystem that includes people from the communities most affected by poaching. Through training programs, The Eye Above equips residents with the skills to operate and maintain these sophisticated drones. This initiative provides employment and instills a sense of ownership and pride in conservation efforts.
The results of this integrated approach have been striking. In areas where the BushRanger has been deployed, there has been a marked decrease in poaching activities. The drone’s real-time data and aerial surveillance capabilities enhance ranger response times, improve the monitoring of animal movements, and provide early detection of illegal activities: a prime example of how the transformative, end-use-application-specific potential of 3D printing technology can be combined with community-driven solutions to address and solve real problems.
