Italian Scientists Teach a Robot to Clean Beaches Using Neural Networks: How VERO Helps Maintain Coastal Cleanliness and Its Environmental Impact

Italian scientists have made a significant breakthrough in the field of robotics by creating a robot capable of effectively cleaning beaches. Researchers from the Italian Institute of Technology, using advanced technologies, adapted a quadrupedal robot for collecting litter on beaches. This news, published in IEEE Spectrum, has already attracted the attention of both the scientific community and the general public.

Using the AlienGo Robot for Beach Cleaning

The scientists utilized the AlienGo model, developed by the Chinese company Unitree. They equipped the robot with special equipment for collecting litter, transforming it into an efficient tool for maintaining beach cleanliness. The new robot was named VERO. It is equipped with a backpack vacuum and unique attachments on its limbs, allowing it to effectively collect debris.

Intelligent Control System

The key innovation is the intelligent control system developed by the Italian scientists. VERO uses a pair of cameras and a neural network to detect litter, particularly cigarette butts. The system plans the route so that the robot can stably position its limb with the hose next to the litter, collect it, and continue moving without stopping.

The Challenge of Cigarette Butts as the Most Common Litter

Cigarette butts are one of the most common types of litter worldwide. According to a 2019 study, of the 6 trillion cigarettes smoked annually, over 4 trillion butts are simply discarded on the ground. They pose a serious threat to the environment as they decompose very slowly and can contaminate water bodies and soil with toxic substances.

Advantages of VERO Compared to Other Litter Collection Devices

Current litter collection devices usually move on wheels and are not suited for beach environments. Sand and uneven surfaces create serious obstacles for such machines. The VERO robot, thanks to its quadrupedal design, can easily move across sand and collect litter even in hard-to-reach places. This makes it an effective assistant for workers maintaining the cleanliness of tourist areas.

VERO's Impact on Beach Environmental Preservation

The implementation of the VERO robot on beaches has the potential to significantly improve environmental conditions. Thanks to its ability to collect litter automatically and continuously, it can greatly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the sea or remains on the beaches. This, in turn, will help preserve marine fauna and flora and make beach recreation more enjoyable for tourists.

Future Prospects of Using Robots for Litter Collection

The success of the VERO robot opens new possibilities for the use of robotics in environmental preservation. In the future, we can expect the emergence of even more advanced models capable not only of collecting litter but also sorting it for further recycling. This will help create more efficient waste management systems and contribute to the fight against the litter crisis.

Conclusions and Call to Action

The development by Italian scientists exemplifies how the latest technologies can be used to solve environmental problems. The VERO robot demonstrates that robotics can become an important tool in the fight for cleaner beaches and environmental protection. However, to achieve significant results, it is necessary to continue investing in research and the development of new technologies, as well as raising public awareness about the importance of nature conservation.

In this regard, we urge everyone who cares to join environmental initiatives and support the implementation of technologies like the VERO robot. This will help make our world cleaner and safer for future generations.