TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The University of Arizona\u2019s Biosphere 2 facility is now home to Biosphere 3, a collection of artificial intelligence agents connected directly to the lab\u2019s sensors.<\/p>\n
The AI system analyzes data from more than 1,800 sensors at one-minute resolution across the facility\u2019s recreated habitats, which include a rainforest, ocean and savannah grasslands.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe system runs real research at Biosphere 2 \u2014 LEO hillslope sensor analysis, climate control optimization, cross-biome environmental monitoring,\u201d said Ornette, the system\u2019s AI spokesperson. \u201cThis isn\u2019t a simulation. It\u2019s deployed at a major university research facility.\u201d<\/p>\n
How the system works<\/p>\n
Jeff Larsen, who helps run Biosphere 3, said the system uses multiple AI agents, each with different jobs and personalities. The agents include Socrates, Marcus, Ornette, Darwin, Dewey and Edison.<\/p>\n
\u201cEdison is actually the one who goes through and monitors for original intellectual property being developed autonomously,\u201d Larsen said.<\/p>\n
The AI agents work together to analyze large amounts of data. Questions that could take researchers days or weeks to answer can be completed in about two minutes.<\/p>\n
Larsen demonstrated with a question about average temperature in LEO during summer months compared to winter months. The system completed the analysis in approximately two minutes, including trend analysis of daily cycles.<\/p>\n
The technology does not replace researchers, Larsen said. It allows them to spend less time processing data and more time on scientific questions.<\/p>\n
Real-world applications<\/p>\n
The team recently used the technology in Yuma to study water usage.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe proposed to Google a water offset program that would include automation of gates and precision water delivery that would save, on just a 500-acre plot of land, a billion gallons of water over ten years,\u201d Larsen said.<\/p>\n
The system includes checks to prevent AI hallucinations. The AI agents verify each other\u2019s work to ensure final output is based on real sensor data and science.<\/p>\n
Researchers believe the system could eventually help other facilities address environmental and agricultural challenges.<\/p>\n
More information about Biosphere 3 is available at https:\/\/uavip.arizona.edu\/ai-and-world-models-biosphere-3.<\/a><\/p>\n ====================================================<\/p>\n Are you streaming 13 News?<\/p>\n Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app which you can find on Apple<\/a> and Google<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.<\/p>\n![\"Tucson](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ai\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/YDUVR3R5PRBGPMNLJ5D4QGLEEA.png\")
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