It’s no secret that the problem of the huge amount of plastic garbage that has already accumulated in the ocean is so far without a viable solution. It is thought that there is really no amount of money or resources that will be able to clean it up successfully. However, it might just be that situation that has inspired designers and researchers to keep looking for ways to solve the alarming problem.
The “marine drone,†a project developed by Elie Ahovi, Adrien Lefebvre, Philomene Lambaere, Marion Wipliez, Quentin Sorel, and Benjamin Lemoal, is designed like a giant pool net with sensors attached. The marine drones would scout the sea for waste, keeping fish and animals away with special sensors that give off irritating sounds and signals. The infrasound system and high-powered waterproof batteries would allow them to last over 2 weeks in the ocean, sucking plastic garbage into the net as they move about.
When the net is full of junk, the drones would dock at a nearby mothership, where crews would be on board to gather and properly dispose of the garbage.
It sounds like there might be quite a few bugs to fix at first, but as long as it doesn’t disrupt the ocean’s habitats, it could be a pretty neat idea that might start to make a difference.
What do you think? It’s still in the concept stages, but would you like to see something like this tested out to see how it goes?
via Earth Techling
Images via Yanko Design
Designers: Elie Ahovi, Adrien Lefebvre, Philomene Lambaere, Marion Wipliez, Quentin Sorel and Benjamin Lemoal
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