AI-powered robots helping clean Europe’s ocean floor

Source Domain: earthsky.org

The SeaClear2.0 initiative, funded by the EU, is using AI-powered robots to clean Europe’s ocean floor, targeting waste that has accumulated on the seafloor.
The system has an aerial drone (SeaHawk), an underwater rover (Mini TORTUGA), and robotic grippers, coordinated by the uncrewed surface vessel SeaCAT.
The objective of the project is to prevent marine debris from sinking to the seabed and breaking down into microplastics.
The autonomous system works collaboratively with human operators to map, locate, and collect marine debris more safely and efficiently.
The project aims to scale up cleanup operations, demonstrated through successful tests in Marseille, France, after overcoming initial limitations in Hamburg.
Researchers are exploring broader applications of the technology beyond marine debris, such as detecting unexploded mines or supporting harbor monitoring.
The long-term goal is to integrate the robotic systems into real-world cleanup operations through local authorities across Europe, potentially reducing seabed waste and restoring marine environments.

You may have missed