News
Helping People Reconnect With Nature
25 March 2026To mark Earth Hour we’re shining a light on a fantastic product we worked on - the Biophone.
This ground breaking audio monitoring device allows conservationists and nature lovers to listen to the hidden soundscape of wildlife. The result of a major interdisciplinary science and arts collaboration, the Biophone demonstrates how technology can help people reconnect with, and learn about, the natural world.
From concept to fully functioning prototype
Wild Connect initially came up with the idea, then worked with FE educator Coleg y Cymoedd, Semiconductor Innovator Newport Wafer Fab (now Nexperia Newport) and Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult (CSA Catapult) to create a concept version of the device.
They then asked GX to develop a fully functioning mechanical engineering prototype, and assess its capabilities before outlining a final design brief.
Engineering for the Elements
We developed a simple yet robust housing, with waterproof and dust resistant membranes to protect the electronics without blocking sound. This was tested against real world conditions, from harsh Welsh weather and dust storms, to the reported curiosity - and occasional aggression - of Namibian baboons!
The end result, the Biophone, demonstrates how listening can be, quite literally, one of the most meaningful ways to reconnect with and learn about nature, and protect the natural world.