The robot, called “Recycle shark”, removes floating debris in the port of Rotterdam.
Water drones are ready to begin garbage collection in ports around the world and prevent them from getting into the ocean. The robot, named “Recycle shark” (or “Waste Shark”) is already responsible for the cleaning of the Rotterdam port waters, Europe’s largest harbor.

“Waste Shark” is able to collect up to 500 kilograms of garbage at a time and work for 24 hours. His source of energy are solar panels and batteries. Due to the installed sensors, drone can collect and transmit data on water quality, depth and weather conditions. Also “Shark” is equipped with on-board navigation system, through which the robots do not interfere with navigable paths, and the ability to maneuver, which allows multiple drones simultaneously work on a large area of ​​contamination.

testing two prototypes of different sizes have been carried out “Waste Shark”, called “Fatboy” and “Slim”. Tests have shown that the use of machines does not threaten aquatic life, as in fish and birds is enough time to sail or fly closer to “Sharks”. In addition, upon returning to the charging station the drones, we can verify that they have collected. After that, the garbage is sent to the company for recycling.
Robots are able to remove from the water anything from chemicals to construction waste. “Waste Shark” operate autonomously, but also have a manual override function that can be activated if necessary. The purpose of these drones were clean artificial waterways, that is, channels and ports, pollution which largely entails the accumulation of debris in the ocean.

Robots “Waste Shark” were developed by “RanMarine Technology”, which in 1700 surpassed other startups and offshore companies that participated in the first program in the world promoting innovation PORTXL port in Rotterdam. This program were selected twelve finalists, one of which was the company “RanMarine Technology”. Its founder is a South African Richard Hardiman, and which belonged to the idea of ​​creating a “Recycle Shark” three years ago.

As a result, over the next six months, “Waste Shark” will absorb the dust floating in the waters of the port of Rotterdam. In the next three years “RanMarine Technology” is set to release several thousand robots for water purification around the world.