Solution Scope: Litter collection systems from the sea / rivers (Robotic)

Target Contaminant: Plastics & Other Litter

Solution Provider or Contact Point: Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) 

Project: SeaClear 2.0 – Robotic and Participatory Solutions for Marine Litter Prevention & Remediation

ITS Description: The SeaClear2.0 system consists of a team of collaborative, heterogeneous robots working on a boat vehicle for in-situ mapping, detection, classification, and collection of marine litter from the seafloor. Built on the system that was developed in the first EU-funded SeaClear project, the ITS includes a more advanced system of autonomous robots with enhanced sensing that will be able to collect heavier litter items (up to 250 kg) from greater depths (up to 100m), and with greater autonomy. The team of autonomous robots employs machine learning to detect and collect Marine litter including large and heavy items from the seabed. An unmanned surface vehicle acts as the system’s Hub and, together with a flying drone, performs a first scan of the area to identify litter hotspots. A more detailed scan is carried out to detect litter which is then collected by a smart manoeuvrable grapple and transported to shore by an unmanned shuttle tender. The composition of collected litter is analysed to identify sourcing and repurposing solutions also through local communities, citizen science participation to raise awareness and identify solutions to prevent Marine litter.

Correspondence with BMM OIR (sectoral priorities, R&I activities, gaps, needs): This ITS responds to a R&I gap area of activity in elimination & remediation of marine litter, namely by addressing the development of new (autonomous) technologies for the removal of seafloor macro litter.  It also responds to the challenge listed in the BMM OIR for the solid waste management sectors in responding to the need for new and innovative remediation technologies.