Call to Action: AI-Powered Robots for Ocean Cleanup

Dear Readers (BTW thanks to perplexity.ai for writing this edition following my prompts!)

This is my final e-newsletter on LinkedIn. I am now dedicating more time to supporting the many efforts to clean the severely polluted Mediterranean Sea and coasts.

I've seen first-hand the devastating impact of plastic and other waste on marine life and our shared environment[6][9].

But there's hope: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing ocean cleanup efforts, offering innovative solutions to this monumental challenge[2][9].

How AI is Making a Difference

• Identifying and Tracking Pollution: AI can analyze images from satellites and drones to pinpoint plastic debris in the ocean, enabling targeted cleanup[9].
• Advanced Robotics: AI-powered robots can distinguish plastic from marine life, collect rubbish from the sea bottom, and even detect microplastics[2].
• Autonomous Cleanup: AI algorithms optimize the placement and movement of cleanup systems, increasing efficiency and effectiveness[9].

Examples of AI-Powered Ocean Cleaning Robots

1. SeaClear : This system uses a boat, a drone, two robots, and a basket, all powered by AI, to retrieve plastic waste from the ocean floor[1].
2. Clearbot Neo : This AI-enabled robotic boat autonomously collects floating garbage from harbors and rivers, preventing it from reaching the ocean[5]. It can collect up to 200 kg of trash and 15L of oil in a day[7].
3. Jellyfish-Bot : Inspired by jellyfish, this robot navigates complex environments and removes smaller plastic waste without touching it[3].
4. BeachBot: This machine uses image recognition to identify and remove small items of litter from beaches[8].
5. The Ocean Cleanup Project : They utilize AI object detection software with GPS-tagged images to locate large masses of floating plastic waste remotely[2].

A Call to Robot Manufacturers

I'm calling on existing robot manufacturers and new innovators: the time to act is now. The ocean needs your expertise in AI and robotics to develop and deploy more effective cleanup technologies[6][9]. Let's work together to create a cleaner, healthier marine environment. Join the fight!

Sincerely,

Tania Peitzker

Citations (courtesy of the Gen AI engine, Perplexity AI)

[1] https://www.cleanthesky.com/innovation/seaclear

[2] https://www.aitimejournal.com/how-ai-helps-clean-oceans-from-plastics/

[3] https://en.reset.org/jellyfish-inspired-robot-looks-to-clean-up-the-ocean-floor/

[4] https://intuji.com/the-ocean-cleanup-using-ai-to-clean-up-oceans/

[5] https://news.microsoft.com/source/asia/features/this-ai-enabled-robotic-boat-cleans-up-harbors-and-rivers-to-keep-trash-out-of-the-ocean/

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxeWbppu2rw

[7] https://www.clearbot.org

[8] https://www.weforum.org/stories/2021/07/ai-robot-cleaning-litter-beach/

[9] https://innotechtoday.com/how-ai-can-help-clean-up-our-oceans/