Chengannur: There’s no longer a need to take risks while collecting waste floating on water surfaces. A robot designed by students of IHRD Engineering College will now take up the task. The machine was developed by the IEEE Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology, a student collective at the college, in association with Chengannur Municipality, Pampa Punarjani and the IEEE Kerala Section. 

Equipped with a camera, the robot allows operators to monitor visuals in real time and adjust its course with precision. It can be remotely controlled from a distance of up to 700 metres. Weighing around 30 kilograms, the robot is capable of collecting floating waste up to a width of 6.4 metres, clearing debris on the water’s surface. Solar panels fitted on the robot generate the electricity required for its operation.

Teamwork that made it possible
The project was carried out under the guidance of College Principal Dr V S Hari, Head of the Electrical Department Dr M Raju and former faculty member Dr J Deepa. Students Yohan C Mammen and Megha Aji coordinated the project. Yohan hails from Paghamuttom in Kottayam. The project team included Vijay Satheesh, S Vignesh, Jevin Shibu, Muhammad Afnas, Anushree Anil, Manas Ravi Chandran, Annie Elsa Anu, Bhavesh Sanjay, S Amal Krishna, V Ravishanker and Nithin Mathew Joji.