Unmanned Surface Vechicle for Water Derbis Collection

Abstract

The increasing accumulation of plastic and solid waste in small water bodies poses a critical environmental challenge, particularly in urban and semi-urban regions. This paper presents the design and development of a compact, autonomous Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) engineered for the collection of floating debris in narrow lakes, drainage canals, and urban streams. The system employs a Raspberry Pi-based control unit, DC motor-driven propulsion, and a conveyor-belt mechanism for efficient surface waste retrieval. The prototype, constructed with lightweight and water-resistant materials, demonstrated over 85% accuracy in debris collection during field tests, with effective navigation in shallow and constrained water environments. Unlike existing manual or large-scale automated systems, the proposed USV offers a portable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative that minimizes human intervention and health risks. The integration of basic vision systems and modular components ensures ease of maintenance and future scalability. This solution supports sustainable waste management and aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting clean water, innovation, and urban sustainability.