https://www.linkedin.com/in/ejoe/BeachBot is an innovative solution for maintaining pristine beaches in Hong Kong and potentially across Asia, supported by Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. Utilizing advanced technologies such as radar sensors, cameras, control boards, energy panels, and a specialized garbage collection box, BeachBot efficiently sorts and collects beach debris. This initiative addresses critical environmental issues by reducing the need for beach cleanup personnel from five workers to just one, complemented by the robot. BeachBot enhances beach environments by reducing cleaning time by 50% and operational costs by 55%. Its ability to operate longer than human personnel using renewable energy sources makes it a sustainable and cost-effective solution to beach pollution.
Finalist
SDG Initiative of the Year Award
Beachbot
Finalist of the SDG Initiative of the Year Award
SINOVATED TECHNOLOGY LIMITED - Hong Kong
"AI-driven Sustainability: Revolutionizing Beach Cleaning"
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(First Small-Sized Prototype)
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Summary
Key People
Tso Kar Ho, Ejoe
Lecturer
Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology,
Vocational Training Council
Dr Peter C Y Yau
Assistant Professor
School of Computing Science,
University of Glasgow
LAI Sin Yi, Sage
Co-Founder
SINOVATED TECHNOLOGY LIMITED - Hong Kong
Fok Ho Man
Project Manager
SINOVATED TECHNOLOGY LIMITED - Hong Kong
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the Vocational Training Council, University of Glasgow and Hong Kong School of AI for their trust and support, the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub for their unwavering support, and the dedicated team members who have made BeachBot a reality.
Images
SDG Project Award
Beachbot Architecture
Work being done by Beachbot in Beach
Identify recyclables and sort trash simultaneously.
Help collect various rubbish
SDG Excellence Award
IMPACT STORY
Impacting lifesThe introduction of BeachBot has significantly transformed beach maintenance in Hong Kong. Previously, beaches were often left in a less than satisfactory state due to the labor-intensive and inefficient nature of traditional cleanup methods. BeachBot has not only improved the physical appearance and sanitary conditions of the beaches but also enhanced public perception and utilization of these communal spaces. Powered by artificial intelligence, BeachBot mitigates the presence of dermatitis-causing agents and harmful microbes, thereby increasing the safety and enjoyment of the beaches. This has led to a notable increase in the number of visitors and a decrease in public health complaints, demonstrating that the community has regained trust and interest in local beaches.
LEARNINGS
Lessons learnedThe development of BeachBot highlighted the importance of integrating technology with environmental stewardship. One critical lesson was the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration, involving the local community, environmental scientists, and engineers in the design and implementation process. Leadership in such innovative initiatives requires a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability. Future leaders should focus on incorporating community feedback and ensuring scalability to refine solutions that address both local and global environmental challenges.
FUTURE PLANS
What's coming?BeachBot aims to expand its scope beyond Hong Kong to include the Greater Bay Area and other regions of Asia. This expansion is expected to increase our service coverage from 40 to over 1,500 coastlines, significantly amplifying our environmental impact. We also plan to adapt the BeachBot technology for other applications, such as cleaning barbecue pits and camping sites in shopping centers. These developments will be driven by strategic partnerships, ongoing technological advancements, and a commitment to keeping our solutions affordable and accessible.
