What it does
Waste Warrior is an automated floating device that detects and collects floating waste like plastics and organic debris. With real-time detection, remote control, and onboard storage, it boosts cleanup efficiency and protects aquatic ecosystems.
Your inspiration
We were inspired by the rising plastic pollution in local rivers and lakes, especially near urban and recreational areas. Despite visible contamination, cleanup remains manual and inefficient. Learning that over 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced yearly — with much entering waterways — we aimed to create a solution to actively collect surface waste before it sinks or spreads. Our motivation was to blend engineering with environmental impact, resulting in a practical, accessible tool for municipalities, communities, and environmental groups to protect aquatic ecosystems and support long-term sustainability.
How it works
This version of Waste Warrior uses a smart, straightforward design to efficiently collect floating waste. It maneuvers using differential thrust, where two motors adjust speeds independently to steer precisely without rudders. The twin electric propulsion system provides quiet, eco-friendly movement across the water, minimizing disruption to aquatic life. A forward-facing camera module helps the operator detect and monitor debris in real time, making it easier to guide the unit toward waste. At the front, a fixed V-shaped scoop channels surface waste inward as the unit moves forward. Debris is then captured in a mesh basket and netting bag system that filters water while securely holding the waste. Once full, waste is removed manually through a simple, quick process thanks to the accessible open-top design. The entire system floats steadily on a pontoon-style base, offering excellent stability and buoyancy, ideal for lakes, ponds, and calm rivers.
Design process
The design process began with functional analysis to define tasks such as navigation, waste detection, collection, storage, and transfer. Brainstorming generated ideas across six functional areas, leading to a morphological chart and five initial designs: Cyclo Sweep, TwinSkim, AquaScan, Paddle Clean, and IntelliCatch. These were evaluated using criteria like efficiency, mobility, cost, and eco-friendliness. Concept screening used Waste Shark as a benchmark. Scoring results showed TwinSkim, AquaScan, and IntelliCatch as top options, with TwinSkim ultimately selected. CAD drawings including part, assembly, and exploded views were created. Engineering analysis covered weight, buoyancy, stability, and power needs. Prototype cost totaled RM990.51. The catamaran-style hull ensures buoyancy and stability, while a front intake channels debris to a mesh basket. Controlled via Blynk, the remote system includes a rotating camera, dual motors, water pump, and zip tie mechanism. Materials like stainless steel and HDPE were chosen for durability and floatation. The body frame and camera holder were designed for easy manufacturing. Testing in real lake conditions showed average efficiencies of 87.33% (centre) and 86.00% (side).
How it is different
The lake cleaning machine has a catamaran-style hull with twin pontoons for stability, buoyancy, and deck space. Its elevated center houses key electronics and mechanical parts. At the front, an open intake channels debris into a grated basket that filters water and traps waste. The design uses passive flow and motion to guide debris without mechanical gates. Dual rear propellers, each powered by electric motors, allow differential steering for precise movement. A zip tie mechanism at the basket’s rear bundles waste for easy removal. A rotating camera mounted on top provides real-time visual detection and supports remote control via the Blynk app. The system uses dual power sources and a master-slave microcontroller setup. The slave handles the camera and motors, while a water pump directs debris into the intake. These features create a semi-autonomous, efficient, and scalable solution for lake cleaning.
Future plans
Following successful prototype testing, the next phase focuses on refining the lake-cleaning machine to improve performance, reliability, and scalability. Key steps include field testing under various conditions to identify mechanical and structural issues, and upgrading components for durability. Software enhancements will improve detection, navigation, and energy efficiency. Usability improvements, such as a better control interface and modular design, aim to increase accessibility. The goal is a fully autonomous, eco-friendly system for wider deployment in lakes, rivers, and coastal areas to support long-term water pollution solutions.
Share this page on