Meet Jellyfishbot, the Robot that Likes to Eat Sea Trash

The Jellyfish, a little catamaran operated by remote control, which is capable to clean water by collecting rubbish on the water's surface is seen at work in the port of Cassis, southern France, July 5, 2021. REUTERS/Noemie Olive
The Jellyfish, a little catamaran operated by remote control, which is capable to clean water by collecting rubbish on the water's surface is seen at work in the port of Cassis, southern France, July 5, 2021. REUTERS/Noemie Olive
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Meet Jellyfishbot, the Robot that Likes to Eat Sea Trash

The Jellyfish, a little catamaran operated by remote control, which is capable to clean water by collecting rubbish on the water's surface is seen at work in the port of Cassis, southern France, July 5, 2021. REUTERS/Noemie Olive
The Jellyfish, a little catamaran operated by remote control, which is capable to clean water by collecting rubbish on the water's surface is seen at work in the port of Cassis, southern France, July 5, 2021. REUTERS/Noemie Olive

Tourists visiting the picturesque port at Cassis, southern France, often see an unedifying sight: plastic bags, discarded drinks bottles, and even used surgical masks, floating in the water among the boats in the marina.

But the port has found a solution, in the shape of a bright yellow remote-controlled electric powered boat that weaves around the harbour sucking the trash into a net that it trails behind its twin hulls, said Reuters.

The boat, called Jellyfishbot, is about the size of a suitcase and so can get into the corners and narrow spaces where rubbish tends to accumulate but which are difficult for cleaners with nets to reach.

"It can go everywhere," said Nicolas Carlesi, who has a PhD in undersea robotics and whose company, IADYS, created the boat.

It is not the only device of its kind. San Diego non-profit Clear Blue Sea is developing a proto-type trash-collecting robot called "FRED".

A marine technology firm based in the Netherlands, RanMarine, has developed a robot called the "Waste Shark" which has been deployed to clean up garbage in Rotterdam harbour.

"Jellyfishbot" is in operation in around 15 French ports, and has been exported to countries including Singapore, Japan and Norway, according to Carlesi's company. The firm has just launched an autonomous version.

A keen sailor and diver, Carlesi said he came up with the idea after noticing, whenever he spent leisure time on the water, how much rubbish bobbed in the water in ports.

"I thought: 'Why not try to make this difficult and sometimes thankless task of picking up trash easier?' So we made this robot," he said.



Falcon Fetches SAR57,000 at Saudi Falcons Club Auction Opening

The club aims to regulate the falcon trade, protect endangered breeds, and raise awareness about responsible falconry practices. SPA
The club aims to regulate the falcon trade, protect endangered breeds, and raise awareness about responsible falconry practices. SPA
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Falcon Fetches SAR57,000 at Saudi Falcons Club Auction Opening

The club aims to regulate the falcon trade, protect endangered breeds, and raise awareness about responsible falconry practices. SPA
The club aims to regulate the falcon trade, protect endangered breeds, and raise awareness about responsible falconry practices. SPA

A falcon sold for SAR57,000 on Thursday at the opening night of the highly anticipated Saudi Falcons Club Auction in Malham, north of Riyadh.
The event, which will run until November 15, features a groundbreaking new format entailing an auction area integrated into the ongoing International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition.
The Saudi Falcons Club continues to support falconers by offering them comprehensive assistance, including falcon transportation, accommodation, and efficient auction processes. The auction is broadcast live on television and social media platforms, ensuring global reach and accessibility, SPA reported.
Renowned as the Kingdom's premier official falcon auction, the event aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting cultural heritage, economic growth, and the preservation of falconry traditions.

The Saudi Falcons Club seeks to elevate the standard of falcon auctions domestically and internationally, serving as a focal point for falconry enthusiasts worldwide.