It’s no secret that our oceans are facing a massive plastic pollution problem. But what if we had a solution that could help clean up this mess while also collecting data on water quality? That’s where the WasteShark comes in.
Created by Richard Hardiman, the WasteShark is a mini electric catamaran-shaped robot that is specifically designed to eat plastic and other debris that doesn’t belong in our oceans. The idea for the WasteShark came to Hardiman after he witnessed two people fishing rubbish out of the water with a net in South Africa.
With a background in engineering and a passion for sustainability, Hardiman set out to create a better solution. In 2016, with the help of the PortXL program, he developed the idea as part of his new start-up, RanMarine Technology.
The WasteShark is purely electric and can navigate waters autonomously for up to three miles (5 km), collecting more than 1,100 pounds (500 kg) of plastic and other waste or pollution with an “open mouth” design. Powered by two electric thrusters and controlled via 4G, the robotic shark can prowl through the water for up to six hours in autonomous mode or eight hours with remote control.
In addition to cleaning plastic, the electric WasteShark can also collect natural materials such as algae, duckweed, and other aquatic plants while collecting water quality data. The robot can help identify areas with high pollution levels and track changes in water quality over time.
The WasteShark has been a success in the River Thames, where it is currently removing the equivalent of over 22,700 plastic bottles daily. The robot is also being used in other waterways around the world, including the ports of Rotterdam and Dubai.
The WasteShark is available for purchase for around $24,600 or can be leased for approximately $1,200 per month. While the cost may seem steep, the benefits of using the WasteShark are undeniable. By helping to clean up our oceans and gather valuable data on water quality, this innovative robot is a crucial step in the fight against plastic pollution.
