The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled its first-ever floating waste collector drone, PixieDrone. Launched by Dubai Harbour, this pioneering mobile waste collector is set to revolutionize the way waste is collected and managed in the country.
Equipped with a video camera and remote sensing LIDAR technology, PixieDrone can access small areas and spaces, making it an efficient tool for sorting various types of waste including organic waste, plastics, glass, metal, paper, cloth, and rubber.
The drone’s compact size, measuring approximately 1.62 metres long by 1.15 metres wide, allows it to navigate and operate in areas that are typically challenging for larger clean-up robots.
PixieDrone boasts a substantial 160-litre collection capacity and can operate autonomously for up to six hours. It is fully compatible with both salt water and fresh water, enhancing its versatility and usability across different environments.
The drone operates as a remotely controlled device designed to detect and remove floating debris from the surface of water bodies. It identifies the debris, obstructs its movement, and then stores it in a large holding tank for later disposal through alternative methods.
The introduction of PixieDrone into Dubai Harbour is expected to be a valuable asset in addressing and cleaning up litter and neglected waste throughout the UAE’s coastal areas and waters.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative waste management solutions.