Litter is a major problem on Thailand’s beaches, spoiling tourist attractions and endangering the ecological habitat of many organisms.
PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) found an answer to this issue, in the form of the "PTTEP Love Sea Love Beach" project. Launched in 2016, the project brings the company’s expertise in engineering technology and environmental management in line with international standards, in collaboration with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University (PSU). The project partners developed a beach cleaning robot that is able to scavenge the beach efficiently and effectively. This is the first robot of its kind developed in Thailand. The robot is currently being tested in the Songkhla area, where it is used to help preserve the scenery, ecology and environment. This collaboration between PTTEP and PSU also paves the way to the future development of knowledgeable and skilled experts in related fields.
Highlights and advantages of the beach cleaning robot:
- Its sand scraper system can pick up rubbish on sand – or rubbish embedded in the sand – separating sand particles from debris effectively through a vibrating sieve. Garbage collection speed can reach 130 m²/h.
- Rubbish can be collected at the base of trees, inaccessible to beach cleaning trucks.
- The robot works in a variety of beach environments, both wet and dry. Waste can be collected for recycling or destruction, as appropriate.
- One worker can control the robot with a wireless remote
- Safe and efficient use of battery power (2 hours per charge)
- Compact and easy to store
- Protective panel can be installed to mitigate noise pollution
- The system can be used as a model for beach garbage collection in other areas in the region.
