A robot banishes harmful algae slicks to the ocean floor.
And, according to an Australian research team, oil spills could soon be hoovered up by mini-robots. Key here: a new filter with small, air-filled pouches, coated with a water-resistant nanolayer of graphene oxide.
It separates oil with 95% purity and can be extensively reused. The 3D-printed, electrically-operated mini-robot complete with filter and oil tank is toy dolphin-sized and skims oil through a nozzle at 2ml/minute.
With its radio-controlled system, no magnetic field is required. The team’s vision? To increase the robots’ size and have them unload oil themselves before recharging.
In Singapore, they’re experimenting with pollen as filter material while special bumpers on boats free canals from oil slicks.
