Autonomous robots to clean up polluted waters to stop 'dead zones'

South Korean company ECOPEACE is expanding its global operations for autonomous water-quality management systems, with upcoming pilot projects planned in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ECOPEACE uses AI-powered semi-submerged robots called ECOBOT to detect and remove algae and other pollutants from waterways in real time. These robots operate continuously, employing stainless-steel microfilters and electrochemical treatments to break down contaminants, aiming to prevent harmful algal blooms before they escalate into environmental crises. Algal blooms deplete oxygen in water, creating “dead zones” that threaten aquatic life and public health, while also impacting tourism and fishing industries. Traditional monitoring and cleanup methods are labor-intensive and reactive, whereas ECOPEACE’s automated system integrates real-time sensor data with AI to dynamically adjust treatment processes. Singapore’s advanced urban water governance and the UAE’s challenging hot, water-scarce environment provide contrasting testbeds for the technology, with success in these locations potentially demonstrating broad applicability worldwide.