SeaClear: Search, Identification and Collection of Marine Litter with Autonomous Robots

Prof. Bart De Schutter (TU Delft): “With SeaClear1, we have been able to achieve the design of two components – an exploration robot, which can not only detect litter but differentiate it from fish and other creatures, and a collection robot, which moves to the location of the litter and using a gripper, picks it up and takes to the collection basket.” 

The SeaClear system is composed of several interconnected components. The base vessel, SeaCAT, acts as the central unit, deploying and managing two underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs): the Mini Tortuga for exploration and the larger, Tortuga ROV, for litter collection. The litter is deposited in a special basket. Additionally, an aerial drone monitors and maps the sea surface, assisting in the identification of litter hotspots. These elements work in concert to create a map of the ocean floor, detect litter, and subsequently collect and remove it efficiently. The SeaClear system can lift up to 7 kg, the gripper can fit the volume of two 2L soda bottles, and the robots collect litter in waters up to tens of meters deep. When improved for commercial operation, the system will work with a 70% smaller cost than divers.

Stefan Sonowski (TU Munchen): "Nothing in nature helps clean the oceans. We must innovate solutions ourselves."

One of the key features of the SeaClear system is its adaptability to different conditions, including varied water properties and different kinds of litter. AI algorithms accurately detect and identify litter, and have been trained to differentiate it from marine life. Integrating machine learning and computer vision lets the underwater robots navigate underwater environments and make decisions.

Impact
The SeaClear1 project delivered a group of robots empowered by machine learning to operate autonomously in the air, underwater and on the surface to identify, map and remove trash from the sea. The follow-up project, SeaClear2.0 (EU Mission Ocean and Waters) will launch a fleet of smart robots, heavily upgraded for automated litter collection that can go deeper, lift heavier waste and collect surface litter. SeaClear2.0 will leverage on the partners’ expertise in public engagement, policy-making, robotics, artificial intelligence, marine and diving technology, and litter-sorting and recycling, to maximize impact.

Yves Chardard of SeaClear’s French partner SubSea Tech: “With SeaClear 1.0, we are picking up plastic bottles, shoes and other similar waste. With SeaClear 2.0, we want to pick up tires, washing machines, and in general heavier things. It’s much more difficult to lift 250 kilos from the seabed, so we want to focus on that.”

More info: https://seaclear-project.eu/ and https://www.seaclear2.eu/ 

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