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South Africa Project
The Autonomous River Cleanup (ARC) project seeks to address the escalating issue of river pollution, particularly in highly contaminated rivers worldwide. The challenge lies in the lack of efficient and scalable solutions for real-time detection and measurement of waste in water bodies. As river pollution directly impacts ecosystems, public health, and local economies, finding innovative ways to monitor and reduce the flow of waste into rivers is essential.
The ARC project, developed at the Robotic Systems Lab of ETH Zürich, recognizes that current river monitoring solutions are limited in their scope and often require manual efforts, which are neither scalable nor feasible for long-term sustainability. This problem is particularly acute in regions like South Africa, where pollution levels are high, but resources for monitoring and cleanup are limited.
AI powered river waste monitoring system deployed in South Africa
The ARC project proposes the development and deployment of ARCAM, an autonomous, intelligent camera system designed to monitor river waste. The system uses advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to detect and classify floating waste objects in real time. ARCAM’s unique design enables it to operate independently, mounted on bridges without requiring external power sources, thanks to its integration with solar panels. The software-driven platform is capable of continuous learning, improving its detection accuracy with more data over time. Having already undergone successful testing on the Limmat River in Switzerland, the next critical phase is the system’s implementation in a heavily polluted river in Durban, South Africa, in collaboration with local experts in global health and engineering.
« The system uses advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to detect and classify floating waste objects in real time. »
The project will provide valuable, data-driven insights into pollution sources and trends, helping policymakers and environmentalists make informed decisions. In addition to its monitoring capabilities, ARCAM will also help validate environmental policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), holding producers accountable for the waste they generate. By combining cutting-edge technology with community engagement and environmental stewardship, the ARC project represents a pioneering step in addressing global water pollution. Its potential for scalable application in various global contexts makes it an exemplary initiative with the capacity to drive significant environmental change.
