A turtle-shaped drone is going to test water samples in the seas as part of the effort to combat microplastics. This project came about during the 6th Citizen Innovation Laboratory, an event organized in Costa Rica by the Ibero-American Secretary General.
The device is made from PVC pipes, plastic bottles, metal, and some 3D printed parts. The idea came from Ricardo Guimaraes, a young Brazilian. It came to life with help from experts in electronics and programming.
The robotic animal has sensors to measure acidity, temperature and turbidity in addition to the ability to collect and analyze water samples for the presence of microplastics.
It sends the data back to the ground via radiofrequency from up to 200 meters away. The device and receptors on the coast cost only $350 and can be replicated. They require very little maintenance, just a cleaning once per month.
