Prototype robot vessel for collecting plastic and microplastics sets sail

According to some research, a person ingests about 5 grams of plastic into their body per week, which is equivalent to the weight of a credit card.

Author  HrTurizam.hr

January 23, 2025

With the task of collecting and analyzing microplastics in the sea, a robot ship set off on its first official voyage on January 21, 2025. Jadranko v1.0, a prototype product of the project of the same name in which the partners are the Istrian Polytechnic and the companies Calucem and Infobip.

The launching ceremony was held at the Calucema factory, published is on the Polytechnic website.

This robot ship is the work of students and experts from the Polytechnic of Istria, designed to collect and analyze microplastics in the sea, one of the greatest environmental challenges of today.

Its launch may represent a key step in the fight against a dangerous phenomenon that threatens both the marine ecosystem and human health.

/ / / How much disposable plastic is generated by tourist activities in the protected areas of Dugi otok?

Those present were greeted by the dean of the Polytechnic, Dr. Sc. Douglas Koraca, where he especially thanked the students who worked hard on the project. 

"Our Jadranko is the result of effort, work, investment and dedication that will specifically contribute to the betterment of the environment in which we live and work, but also much more broadly. Through a project that offers a solution to the growing global challenge of microplastics in the sea, we have once again shown that students of the Istrian Polytechnic acquire enviable knowledge and experience during their studies, which they will later build on through employment. Patrik, Luka, Lucija, Domagoj, Emil and Ener can be proud that they are, or are just becoming, part of something that is bigger than all of us - part of scientific history", said the dean of the Istrian Polytechnic.

Ecology plastic bottle nature anastasia gepp pixabay 1 800x600
Photo: Pixabay

Project leader, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sc. Vedrana Špada, announced further development Jadranko project through two key phases in the next two years, which will be a great example of cooperation between the academic community and industry on innovations for the betterment of the entire community.

/ / / Plastic Ocean Summit: The first world conference on the sustainable development of marine tourism is being held in Croatia

Microplastics are a serious problem in the world, increasingly found in marine organisms, including fish and shellfish consumed daily from the Adriatic Sea. According to some studies, humans ingest about 5 grams of plastic per week which is equivalent to the weight of one credit card.

To reduce this negative impact, the Jadranko robot uses advanced technologies developed through collaboration between industrial and academic partners.

Such solutions not only contribute to environmental conservation, but also inspire new generations of young engineers and scientists to solve global challenges.

/ / / Miniature toiletry packaging is gradually being removed from European hotels

"As a company that has been part of the city of Pula for more than a century, we are aware of our responsibility towards the community. Through our social program-responsible business practices, we support projects that promote education, environmental conservation and local community development. The Jadranko robot is a perfect example of collaboration in which we combine innovation and environmental responsibility, while simultaneously supporting education and involving young people in important projects that shape our future.", they said from Calucema.

Plastic-bottles-in-nature-Emilian-Robert-Vicol-Pixabay-6
Photo: Pixabay

Project leader, Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Vedrana Spada She pointed out that further development is planned for the Jadranka robot through two key phases in the next two years.

Thus, the Jadranko v2.0 project includes the development of an autonomous vessel for collecting micro- and macroplastics along the coast and analyzing samples in the laboratories of the METRIS Center of the Istrian Polytechnic. The final phase, Jadranko v3.0, includes the continuous collection of microplastic samples, their detailed analysis, and the presentation of the results to the scientific and professional public.

The Jadranko project represents an important step in the efforts to a more sustainable future, providing innovative solutions in the fight against microplastics and environmental protection that goes beyond the borders of Croatia.

For the further development of the robot and support for young talents through scholarships and internships, financial support in the amount of over 50.000 euros was provided by Calucem, the world's leading producer of calcium aluminate cement.

/ / / Research on the impact of beach filling on coastal habitats will soon begin

Na pages Istrian Polytechnic The following is stated about the project:

There are still no solutions or methodologies for sampling, analyzing and removing microplastics. It started from the beginning, since very little is known about the problem. It started from that: how to sample microplastics?

The focus is on sea water. Students conceived and designed a solar-powered, remote-guided robotic vessel that could collect microplastic samples from seawater. To create a prototype, they need funds that, unfortunately, the polytechnic cannot provide from the strict budget mechanisms and items of regular financing of higher education institutions.

The goal of the project is to breathe life into Jadranka 1.0. Students are involved in all phases of this project, from the idea, creating a visual identity, creating a project application, designing the robot, and estimating the cost. Also, the creation of the prototype is planned as exclusively student work, mentored by an interdisciplinary team of experts, which will be recognized by the students as completed professional practice and final work.

Upon completion of the project, the goal is to provide students with practical instruction in robot programming, communication, and control of complex autonomous systems through the prototype. The robot will be able to be modified and upgraded, which is most important for a teaching process based on practice and expertise.

It will be useful for future generations of students. And if the prototype proves to be successful, the goal is to submit the idea to the funds for financing the navigation system in real size.

Also, during the project, microplastic samples collected will be analyzed in the laboratory using FT-IR, micro FT-IR, and SEM/EDS methods. Sampling will also be part of the teaching, and will provide some new scientific insights.

/ / / Vedran Dorušić: The sea should be protected because it is our resource, not thousands of apartments

Photos: Calucem doo

Author  HrTurizam.hr

January 23, 2025