NCSR Demokritos researchers develop autonomous marine drone to collect ocean waste

Researchers from the INSANE team at the National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos (NCSR Demokritos) are developing an autonomous electric marine vessel designed to identify and collect ocean waste. The project utilizes 3D printing to manufacture components and integrates artificial intelligence to enhance material properties, facilitate autonomous navigation, and assist in pollutant recognition.

The concept was initiated by researcher Christoforos Rekatsinas to address marine pollution. The research is conducted at the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications, a facility that also houses the offices of the Greek artificial intelligence company Pharos A.E. The project has received funding through the ‘Science Agora’ Technology Transfer Hub ‘Proof of Concept’ program.