The Waste Accumulation team researches how to deflect the trajectories of moving particles on the river stream such that they can be accumulated at the collection point. Several techniques are employed in the fields of mathematical modeling and fluid dynamics.   

Bubble curtains are arrays of pressurized tubes that sit at the bottom of the river providing a constant upwards air bubble flow. This flow has the ability to push the underwater particles to the surface and also concentrate these surface particles to a single point for collection. Combined with the floating booms, and the hydrofoils, the ARC waste accumulation team is at the forefront of waste retrieval technologies. 

The robotic sorting container we currently develop will allow for the autonomous trash sorting at any location we can possibly think of. Built on a concept of modules, we implement our analysis and sorting technology into a single device. We're looking forward to seeing it in action in Zurich in 2022!

We are developing the autonomous trash collection vessel. The vessel integrates all subsystems to provide a single and scalable solution to the river pollution problem. Customizable to any river size, this solution aims to tackle river pollution from the root cause.

The vessel integrates the advances in debris quantification, detection and collection, to provide a comprehensive way to tackle the plastic pollution challenge.  

The main components of the waste collection system will be tested on the Limmat river in Zurich, Switzerland in 2021. This proof of concept test is designed to validate our research in plastic debris concentration, collection and analysis. 

This waste analysis station was deployed at Schneider Umweltservice recycling facility in Uetikon am See (ZH) to evaluate the proof of concept. The system allowed us to collect data to improve our algorithms and determine mechanical parts wear and tear. By recording the images taken by the on-board camera, we were able to fine-tune the vision model, making item classification more accurate. 

Our Artificial Intelligence powered detection system is able to identify relevant waste particles. This provides important information for waste handling and disposal. We improved the system to not only differentiate between organic and non-organic debris but also which types of non-organic debris we're actually facing in rivers.

Our Bridge Mounted Camera works as a standalone solar-powered unit that efficiently keeps track of whatever is flowing down a river. It is a robust, sturdy and energy-efficient built aiming at real-time tracking of riverine debris.

Our Artificial Intelligence powered detection system is able to identify relevant waste particles. This provides important information for waste handling and disposal. 

In partnership with the University of BOKU in Vienna, we are able to track in real-time the performance of our waste concentration system once deployed.