AI to boost Garbage Patch plastic clean-up

Artificial intelligence is being integrated into efforts by The Ocean Cleanup to rid the world’s oceans and rivers of plastic pollution.

The non-profit organisation has announced a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to leverage the latter’s advanced AI, machine learning and cloud computing capabilities to accelerate The Ocean Cleanup’s goal of removing 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040.

Recent research has indicated that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is impeding the ocean’s ability to help regulate the climate while also being harmful to marine life. The Ocean Cleanup argues that extracting plastic debris is essential to protect marine ecosystems, preserve biodiversity and prevent its disintegration into microplastics that enter the food chain.

Greater efficiency

AWS’s AI-powered detection systems and comprehensive cloud infrastructure will enable precise tracking of plastic accumulation and model debris movement. This will enable more optimised resource management and operational efficiency, significantly enhancing The Ocean Cleanup’s ability to detect, track and remove ocean plastic.

Werner Vogels, cto of Amazon.com says: ‘This collaboration demonstrates how advanced cloud computing and AI can serve as powerful tools for environmental stewardship, not only transforming oceanic data into actionable insights but also creating a blueprint for how technology can address critical environmental challenges across the globe.’

Twin approach

The collaboration will focus on two initiatives:

1. With an advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning platform, The Ocean Cleanup will more effectively identify, track and predict ocean plastic accumulation. AWS will support The Ocean Cleanup in the creation of a ‘plastic navigation’ system that predicts debris movement and optimises cleanup operations. The solution will allow ships to be steered toward optimal collection areas based on near-real-time measurements.
2. AWS will help The Ocean Cleanup improve its marine life detection systems. This automated capability will reduce the need for individuals who provide continuous cleanup monitoring 24 hours a day.

‘Innovation and cutting-edge technology have always been at the heart of our approach to achieve our mission to rid the world’s ocean of plastic,’ says Boyan Slat, ceo and founder of The Ocean Cleanup. ‘Our collaboration with AWS has the potential to deliver significant advancement in our capabilities.’