A new aquatic robot, inspired by a whale shark and using the latest technology from the Netherlands, is set to clean up the waterways in Leeds city centre in the first project of its kind in Britain.
Yorkshire Design Group and partners have launched a “litter-eating shark” on Leeds Waterfront, near the Royal Armouries/Leeds Dock.
The drone called a WasteShark and influenced by the whale shark which swims along with its wide mouth open to feed, can scoop up to 500kg of waste from the surface of the water per day.
Powered by electric motors, it will be operated by remote control from the riverside, although it can also work autonomously on a set route, similar to a robot vacuum.
As well as using technology imported from Rotterdam, the project will be the first of its kind to systematically record the volume and types of waste collected, and the very first use of this technology to be approved by the Canal Rivers Trust on its UK waterways.
Partnering with social enterprise Canal Connections means this is the first use of this device to bring both environmental and social benefits.
The idea was generated by the Leeds Waterfront Group, a sub-group of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Property and Economic Forum.
The group’s chair, Paul Ellison, said: “We are very pleased to have put this innovative project together with support from local businesses as well as Leeds City Council and Leeds Civic Trust.
“We’re confident it will generate real benefits to the city and also draw attention to the need to keep our waterways clean and attractive for all to enjoy.”